St. Louis gets called a “crabs in the barrel” city sometimes, but Calvin Dantley has not experienced it that way.

In this episode of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Calvin Dantley, entrepreneur, connector, husband, father, and founder of Master Systems, for a conversation about collaboration, networking, branding, sales, learning and development, and helping first-time managers become stronger leaders.

Calvin shares his journey from Pittsburgh to St. Louis, how entrepreneurship runs through his family, what he learned from his father being known as “the picture guy,” and how that shaped his understanding of branding. He also opens up about sales, curiosity, making meaningful connections, and building Master Systems into a learning and development company focused on supporting new and first-time managers.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, team leaders, connectors, and anyone who believes St. Louis grows stronger when people stop gatekeeping and start making the right introductions.

In This Episode

Cortez and Calvin talk about:

• Why collaboration and non-gatekeeper culture matters in St. Louis
• Calvin’s background as an entrepreneur, dad, husband, and connector
• Moving from Pittsburgh to St. Louis
• Why St. Louis and Pittsburgh feel similar
• Growing up as a third-generation operator
• His grandfather’s pharmacy business and his father’s photography company
• The branding lesson Calvin learned from his father being called “the picture guy”
• Calvin’s journey through Temple University and economics
• Early sales experience, including Cutco
• Moving through direct sales, business-to-consumer, business-to-business, tobacco, and health and wellness
• How each career stop helped shape the business he is building now
• Why curiosity helps Calvin connect people and solve problems
• The difference between networking and wasting people’s time
• The origin and evolution of Master Systems
• Moving from in-person workshops to e-learning after COVID
• Building animated videos, courses, voiceover work, and a learning library
• Why Master Systems focuses on first-time managers
• The challenges new managers face when leading people they used to work beside
• Calvin’s Top Five STL recommendations
• Why business owners should seek out local resources and relationships

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration works best when people make thoughtful introductions that actually add value.
• Branding is not just a logo. It is what people remember you for.
• Curiosity is a business advantage when it helps you ask better questions, listen carefully, and connect problems to solutions.
• Every career stop can become part of the toolkit for the business you are building.
• First-time managers often need support with accountability, one-on-ones, performance conversations, and leading former peers.
• St. Louis has more business resources than many owners realize, but people have to go out, network, ask questions, and get connected.
• Growth is not the same as scaling. To scale, business owners and leaders need systems, training, and stronger teams.

Featured Guest

Calvin Dantley
Founder, Master Systems

Calvin Dantley is an entrepreneur, husband, father, connector, and learning and development professional. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Calvin moved to St. Louis in 2011 and has built deep roots in the local business community.

Through Master Systems, Calvin helps organizations support new and first-time managers with practical training, learning resources, and development tools designed to help leaders grow with more confidence and clarity.

Guest Links

• Master Systems: https://mastersystems.us/
• Calvin Dantley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-dantley/

Episode Sponsors

The 89th Collective

This episode was recorded at The 89th Collective Studios in East St. Louis, Illinois.

If you need a small event space, a business mailing address, memberships, local vendor discounts, or a place to connect with other entrepreneurs, visit: https://the89thcollective.com

Relentless Defensive Firearm Academy, helping responsible citizens across St. Louis train safely, legally, and confidently through firearm safety education, Missouri CCW classes, and self-defense training.

Learn more at RelentlessSTL.com or call 314-314-8485.

Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?
Visit: https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor

Music Attribution

Break music mentioned in this episode:

“Halo” by Lateef
Listen at:
https://LateefLive.com

Chapters

Note: Chapter timestamps were not included in the transcript. Please adjust these to match the final edited audio export.

00:00 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider
00:45 - Introducing Calvin Dantley
02:00 - Who is Calvin Dantley?
03:15 - From Pittsburgh to St. Louis
05:00 - Entrepreneurship in Calvin’s family
07:00 - The branding lesson from “the picture guy”
09:00 - Temple University, economics, and sales
11:00 - From tobacco to health and wellness
13:00 - How each career stop shaped Master Systems
15:00 - Break and music from Latif
16:00 - Welcome back from The 89th Collective Studios
18:00 - Collaboration over crabs in a barrel
20:00 - Curiosity, networking, and making better introductions
23:00 - The rules of meaningful connection
25:00 - The origin of Master Systems
28:00 - COVID, e-learning, animated videos, and digital training
31:00 - Serving first-time managers
34:00 - The challenge of leading former peers
37:00 - Calvin’s Top Five STL
41:00 - Freestyle, resources, and workforce development
43:00 - Closing words from Cortez Hustle

About STL Hustle Insider

STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC.

The show spotlights the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Through real conversations and local storytelling, STL Hustle Insider brings attention to the builders, visionaries, and community movers shaping the future of the region.

Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:
https://stlhustleinsider.com

Legal Disclaimer

STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors.

Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, mental health, tax, investm...

Trey L. Scott on Emerging Business Leaders, Cash Mobs, and Meaningful Impact in St. Louis

Impact is not always meaningful. But when it is intentional, organized, and rooted in community, it can change the way people see themselves, their neighborhoods, and their local businesses.

In this episode of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Trey L. Scott, founder and co-founder of Emerging Business Leaders, for a conversation about East St. Louis roots, community activation, cash mobs, faith, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and what it means to come back home and pour into the people who shaped you.

Trey shares how a promise made with his friends years ago became part of the foundation for Emerging Business Leaders, a collective focused on youth development, economic development, civic engagement, storytelling, business support, and helping overlooked people push their vision forward.

This is a conversation for entrepreneurs, organizers, community leaders, small business owners, faith-driven builders, and anyone who knows that local change does not happen by accident. It happens when people decide to get up, show up, and do the work.

The conversation covers Trey’s East St. Louis upbringing, his move to Glasgow Village, his time at Riverview Gardens and Lincoln University, his call to ministry, the formation of EBL, the power of cash mobs, the role of civic engagement, and the importance of supporting St. Louis businesses with more than words.

Trey also opens up about personal loss, building a business to honor legacy, advocating for Clean Slate legislation, creating a mobile “new-age chamber of commerce,” and encouraging entrepreneurs to take the first step even when they feel burned out, unsupported, or unsure.

In This Episode

Cortez and Trey talk about:

• Why meaningful impact requires intention
• Trey’s identity as a son, father, brother, entrepreneur, preacher, citizen, and follower of Christ
• Growing up in East St. Louis and seeing the Arch across the river
• Moving from East St. Louis to Glasgow Village
• Watching neighborhoods change over time
• Trey’s time at Riverview Gardens High School
• The Wolf Pack promise to come back home and pour into the community
• Trey’s call to ministry and the mentors who saw something in him early
• What Emerging Business Leaders is and why it exists
• How EBL became a collective of entrepreneurs and community activators
• The origin of the cash mob concept
• How EBL uses cash mobs to support local businesses with customers, content, exposure, and connection
• Why cash mobs are about more than one day of revenue
• The upcoming cash mob bus tour concept
• Why EBL is being described as a mobile, new-age chamber of commerce
• Ferguson, B Juice, STL Run Crew, and the connection between health and community work
• Why civic engagement is part of business leadership
• Trey’s personal loss and how it shaped his work
• Advocacy around Clean Slate and second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals
• The importance of stepping up as the next generation of community leaders
• Trey’s Top Five STL recommendations
• His final word to entrepreneurs who are tired, uncertain, or waiting to start

Key Takeaways

• Meaningful impact happens when people move with intention, not just activity.
• Local business support should include dollars, visibility, content, relationships, and repeat customers.
• Community activation requires more than events. It requires systems, people, trust, and follow-through.
• Civic engagement matters because policies directly affect businesses, neighborhoods, schools, public safety, housing, and opportunity.
• Emerging Business Leaders is building a model that blends entrepreneurship, community organizing, storytelling, advocacy, and economic development.
• Small businesses do not always need only money. Sometimes they need structure, bookkeeping help, branding, marketing, relationships, and access.
• The next generation cannot only admire previous leaders. At some point, it has to step into the gap.
• Entrepreneurs do not need to have everything figured out before they begin. They need to take the first step.

Featured Guest

Trey L. Scott
Founder and Co-Founder, Emerging Business Leaders
Also known as “The TikTok Preacher”

Trey L. Scott is an entrepreneur, preacher, father, community activator, and founder/co-founder of Emerging Business Leaders. Rooted in East St. Louis and shaped by his experiences in Glasgow Village, Riverview Gardens, Lincoln University, ministry, entrepreneurship, and personal loss, Trey is committed to pouring back into the people and communities that helped shape him.

Through Emerging Business Leaders, Trey and his team support local businesses, youth development, economic development, civic engagement, storytelling, advocacy, and community-based entrepreneurship.

Guest Links

• Emerging Business Leaders
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok: [Add link]

Episode Sponsors

The 89th Collective

This episode was recorded at The 89th Collective Studios in East St. Louis.

If you have a business but you are still using your home address, The 89th Collective offers mailing address services, memberships, access to resources, co-working opportunities, events, and space for entrepreneurs to connect and get work done.

Learn more at:
https://the89thcollective.com

This episode is sponsored by Relentless Defensive Firearm Academy, serving the St. Louis area with firearm safety education, Missouri CCW classes, self-defense training, and private or group instruction for responsible citizens. Their mission is to help people train safely, legally, and confidently, with education and responsibility at the center.

Learn more at RelentlessSTL.com or call 314-314-8485.

Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?
Visit:
https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor

Music Attribution

Break music mentioned in this episode:

“Sweet Love” by Lateef
Listen at: LateefLive.com

Chapters

Note: Chapter timestamps are approximate and based on the transcript provided. Please adjust to match the final edited audio export.

00:01 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider
00:18 - Introducing Trey L. Scott and meaningful impact
00:53 - Who is Trey L. Scott?
01:35 - Citizenship, ownership, and community responsibility
02:20 - Growing up in East St. Louis
02:51 - Seeing the Arch from across the river
03:18 - Moving to Glasgow Village
03:47 - Watching neighborhoods change
04:17 - Riverview Gardens, overachievement, and searching for identity
05:16 - The Wolf Pack promise
05:45 - Coming back home and the roots of EBL
06:58 - Trey’s church background and early mentorship
07:27 - Senior Chief Amitine and the call to ministry
08:26 - Ministry, growth, and becoming a man
09:12 - Break and music from Latif
09:58 - “Sweet Love” by Latif
10:08 - Welcome back from The 89th Collective Studios
10:55 - What is Emerging Business Leaders?
11:17 -...

 Nancy Jordan joins STL Hustle Insider to talk about building a life and business around purpose. She opens up about growing up with faith, pursuing law, realizing the legal system was not fully aligned with her deeper mission, and discovering her purpose through helping people start businesses. 

What if the thing you keep doing to help people is not just a gift, but part of your assignment?

In this episode of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Nancy Jordan, CEO of Grow Business Development LLC, for a conversation about faith, purpose, entrepreneurship, marriage, community economics, and mission-driven alignment.

Nancy shares how her journey took her from childhood faith to law school, to working in difficult areas of the legal system, to discovering that helping people build what God placed inside them was not just something she enjoyed. It was the work she was called to do.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, leaders, believers, nonprofit builders, corporate professionals considering entrepreneurship, and anyone trying to move from scattered ideas to clear, purpose-driven action.

The conversation also covers her book, Six Success Goals for Business: Six Elements for Godly Success, her work with entrepreneurs around the world, the power of community economics, her upcoming From Employee to Entrepreneur workshop, marriage lessons after 23 years, and her favorite St. Louis recommendations.

In This Episode

Cortez and Nancy talk about:

• Who Nancy Jordan is and why purpose has always shaped her life
• Her early faith journey and coming to know the Lord at six years old
• Moving through different Midwest cities before settling in St. Louis
• Wanting to become a judge before fully understanding the legal path
• What working around divorce, custody, domestic violence, and orders of protection taught her
• The difference between what the law can do and where grace and faith step in
• How volunteering at church helped her discover her real assignment
• Turning helping people into a business without losing the heart of the work
• Learning not to take a God-given vision and try to build it without God
• Meeting her husband Will and lessons from 23 years of marriage
• Her book, Six Success Goals for Business: Six Elements for Godly Success
• Why SMART goals did not fully resonate with her and how her own system was developed
• Coaching and supporting entrepreneurs in other countries
• Invest Change and the power of savings groups, trust, and community economics
• The upcoming From Employee to Entrepreneur workshop
• Nancy’s Top Five STL recommendations
• Her final encouragement for anyone carrying a God-given vision

Key Takeaways

• Purpose may already be showing up in the work you naturally do to help others.
• A successful career path can still feel disconnected from the deeper work you are called to do.
• The law may be designed to resolve and separate certain matters, but Nancy’s mission has been rooted in building, restoring, and supporting relationships.
• Entrepreneurs often receive the vision from God, then make the mistake of trying to build it in their own strength.
• Goals should not just sound impressive. They should honor God, become practical, and be built into daily action.
• Community economics works when people establish trust, shared rules, and a commitment to building together.
• Marriage requires keeping God first, even above the needs and expectations placed on a spouse.
• If God gave you the vision, He did not make a mistake, but you may still need people to walk with you as you build it.

Featured Guest

Nancy Jordan - CEO, Grow Business Development LLC

Author, Six Success Goals for Business: Six Elements for Godly Success

Nancy Jordan is a faith-driven entrepreneur, attorney by training, wife, mother, business development leader, author, and purpose advocate. She has been connected to St. Louis for more than 30 years and has helped entrepreneurs, organizations, churches, communities, and leaders move from vision to execution.

Through Grow Business Development LLC, Nancy helps people clarify what they are called to build, create goals that are grounded in faith and action, and move forward with structure, strategy, and support.

Guest Links

• Six Success Goals for Business: Six Elements for Godly Success: https://sixcessgoals.com/
• From Employee to Entrepreneur Workshop: https://claritystartsnow.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymjordan/

Resources Mentioned

• Grow Business Development LLC
• Six Success Goals for Business: Six Elements for Godly Success
• Invest Change
• From Employee to Entrepreneur Workshop
• The 89th Collective
• Truman State University, formerly Northeast Missouri State University
• SIU School of Law
• Joyce Meyer’s Dream Center
• Tower Grove Park
• St. Louis toasted ravioli
• Saint Louis Zoo
• St. Louis-style Chinese food
• Jazz venue in the Central West End: [Confirm venue name]
• LatifLive.com

Episode Sponsors

The 89th Collective

This episode was recorded at The 89th Collective Studios in East St. Louis, Illinois.

If you have a business but do not have a business address, The 89th Collective offers mailing address services, memberships, business resources, event space, co-working space, Wi-Fi access, and a place for entrepreneurs to get work done.

Learn more at:
https://the89thcollective.com

Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?
Visit:
https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor

Music Attribution

Break music mentioned in this episode:

“Different This Time” by Lateef
Listen at:
https://LatifLive.com

Chapters

Note: Chapter timestamps are approximate and based on the two-part transcript provided. Please adjust to match the final edited audio export.

04:56 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider
05:47 - Who is Nancy Jordan?
06:49 - Young Nancy, faith, and purpose
08:23 - From Chicago to St. Louis
09:06 - Wanting to become a judge
09:33 - Law school and difficult legal work
10:18 - What the law can do and where grace steps in
11:24 - Discovering purpose through helping others
12:30 - Turning purpose work into paid business
12:55 - Building with God, not just in your own strength
14:21 - Meeting her husband, Will
16:37 - Marriage lessons after 23 years
18:26 - Break music from Latif
18:26 - Welcome back from The 89th Collective Studios
19:44 - Nancy’s book, Six Success Goals for Business
20:48 - Why SMART goals did not resonate with her
22:42 - The story behind the “success goals” name
23:01 - Entrepreneurship around the world
24:52 - The risk and resilience of global entrepreneurs
25:51 - Invest Change and community economics
27:52 - Pooling resources and rebuilding trust
28:55 - From Employee to Entrepreneur workshop
30:29 - Who the workshop is designed for
31:48 - Nancy’s Top Five STL recommendations
34:57 - Freestyle, Nancy’s final word
35:44 - If God gave you the vision, He did not make a mistake
36:38 - Closing

About STL Hustle Insider

STL Hustle Insider is...

James Dickerson’s story is about faith, grief, business, resilience, and the strength to keep going when life gives you every reason to stop.

In this episode of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with James Dickerson for a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, walking by faith, building successful businesses, and staying rooted in purpose through life’s hardest moments.

James shares how his entrepreneurial mindset started early, from creative business ideas as a young man to later building and exiting successful businesses. But this conversation goes far beyond business. He opens up about the impact of the crack epidemic on his community, the role mentorship played in shaping his life, the importance of faith, and how he continued to serve, lead, and grow through grief and personal loss.

This episode is a reminder that resilience is not about avoiding pain. It is about getting back up, leaning into purpose, and continuing to move forward with faith, community, and a reason bigger than yourself.

In This Episode

• James Dickerson’s early entrepreneurial ventures
• How a bike rental idea revealed his business instincts
• The impact of the crack epidemic on his community and life
• The role of faith in overcoming adversity
• Building and exiting successful businesses
• Why does a business become more valuable when it can operate without the owner
• The importance of mentorship and spiritual foundation
• How personal loss shaped James’ perspective on purpose
• Community service, leadership, and giving back
• Finding hope after grief and setbacks

Key Takeaways

• Finding an itch in the marketplace and scratching it can lead to success.
• A business that can operate without the owner becomes more valuable.
• Resilience means getting back up after loss, grief, and setbacks.
• Faith and community service can shape both personal and professional growth.
• Mentorship and strong relationships can transform lives.
• Purpose can help carry you through seasons that success alone cannot fix.

Episode Sponsors

This episode of STL Hustle Insider is made possible by our episode sponsors and community partners who believe in supporting local stories, local businesses, and the people helping move St. Louis forward.

Sponsored by:
Manly Mo-Jo — Premium Skincare & Wellness Brand for men.
Website: ManlyMo-Jo.com

Additional Support From:
iHustle Media Group — AI Systems & Marketing Integration for Local Businesses
Website: iHuslteMG.com

Interested in sponsoring a future episode of STL Hustle Insider?
Learn more at: https://stlhustleinsider.com/sponsor

Featured Guest

James Dickerson

Connect with James:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdickerson
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jamesdickerson

Resources Mentioned

Bishop E. Dwight K. — Mentor and spiritual guide
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwightk

The 89th Collective — Event Space in East St. Louis
https://the89thcollective.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
02:08 Who is James Dickerson?
03:09 Walking the entrepreneurial journey with faith
04:36 First speaking engagement and early success
05:55 Early entrepreneurial ventures: Bike rental business
08:36 Impact of the crack epidemic and community involvement
11:35 Community service: Shutting down crack houses
13:22 The importance of mentorship and faith in transformation
14:45 Overcoming loss, grief, and resilience
18:34 The power of mentorship and spiritual foundation
19:18 Building and exiting successful businesses
21:51 Resilience in the face of personal tragedy
24:36 The passing of James Dickerson’s daughter
25:34 Finding hope and purpose after loss
26:54 Closing thoughts and inspiring message

About STL Hustle Insider

STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle, spotlighting the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, and movements building the city from the inside out.

Music Attribution

Music used in this episode is royalty-free/licensed for use by STL Hustle Insider.

Track: Halo
Artist/Creator: LaTeef
Website: LaTeefLive.com

All music is used in accordance with the applicable license terms.
2AKGZLMVLBPM9IAX

Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:
https://stlhustleinsider.com

Welcome to the official trailer episode of STL Hustle Insider, the podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, and community builders moving St. Louis forward.

In this trailer, host Cortez Hustle introduces the vision behind the show, why this platform is being built, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. STL Hustle Insider was created to document the real stories behind the hustle happening across the city and the region — from entrepreneurs building from the ground up to community leaders creating opportunities for others.

This episode is an invitation to be part of the first wave. Whether you were born and raised in St. Louis, moved away but still claim the city, recently arrived, or are thinking about making St. Louis home, this podcast is designed to give you a front-row seat to the people and stories shaping the region.

If you believe local stories deserve a bigger platform, subscribe now, share the show, and nominate someone building something meaningful in St. Louis.

In This Trailer, We Cover:

•  Why STL Hustle Insider was created 
•  The mission behind spotlighting St. Louis stories 
•  Who the podcast is designed to feature 
•  Why this platform is bigger than just interviews 
•  How local businesses, creatives, nonprofits, and community builders will be highlighted 
•  Why listeners should subscribe before the first full episode drops 
•  How to nominate someone for a future feature 

About This Episode

This trailer sets the tone for STL Hustle Insider and introduces the heart behind the platform.

Hosted by Cortez Hustle, this show will take listeners inside the stories, behind the brands, and around the city to meet the builders, dreamers, leaders, and local voices helping move St. Louis forward.

The goal is simple: document the hustle, celebrate the impact, and help more people discover who is building something meaningful in and around St. Louis.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to STL Hustle Insider
 00:12 Why St. Louis needs to tell its own stories
 00:30 Who this podcast will spotlight
 00:49 Why this is bigger than a podcast
 01:08 Who should listen
 01:26 What to expect from future episodes
 01:45 Subscribe and become one of the first 100 insiders
 02:00 Nominate someone building something meaningful in St. Louis

About STL Hustle Insider

STL Hustle Insider is the podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, and movements building St. Louis.

Hosted by Cortez Hustle, the show features conversations with entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and community builders who are creating impact across St. Louis and the surrounding region.

Each episode goes inside the story, behind the brand, and around the city to highlight the real hustle shaping the future of St. Louis.

Subscribe to STL Hustle Insider

Stay connected to the people, businesses, and movements building St. Louis.

Official Website:
https://stlhustleinsider.com

Follow the Show:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlhustleinsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlhustleinsider

Subscribe and Listen:
[Apple Podcasts Link]
[Spotify Link]
[YouTube Link]
[Other Podcast Platform Links]