In St. Charles County, community and business are deeply intertwined, creating a rich tapestry of collaboration and growth. The "All In St. Charles County" initiative highlights the stories of individuals and organizations that embody this spirit. In this edition, we are excited to feature Mark Hollander, a fifth-generation St. Charles City resident, who has made a significant impact through both his leadership and entrepreneurial ventures.

Mark wears two important hats in our community. As the Executive Director of Vision St. Charles County Leadership, Mark guides a program that has been cultivating informed, engaged leaders since 1998. Each year, a select group of 35 participants embarks on a nine-month journey to explore key aspects of our community, from economic development to healthcare, fostering a network of leaders dedicated to making St. Charles County even stronger.

But Mark’s influence doesn’t stop there. Together with his wife Melissa, he owns La Belle Vie, a beloved café in the heart of Frenchtown in St. Charles City. As the only regular food establishment in Frenchtown, La Belle Vie plays a crucial role in the area’s ongoing revitalization.

In this interview, Mark shares insights into his deep roots in St. Charles County, his commitment to community leadership, and his vision for the future of both his businesses and the county at large.

Tell us about the business you own and the organization you lead:

Vision St. Charles County Leadership is an organization that has been around since 1998 and provides a class of leaders from across our community with an experiential journey to learn more about how our community works. 

La Belle Vie / The Café at Frenchtown will be four years old in September.  My wife, Melissa, and I have worked to build a gathering place in our community where people can enjoy a cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch and spend time with friends and family.  We were named “Best Breakfast Place” in all of St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine last year and then “Small Business of the Year” by St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well. These two honors have helped propel us as one of the leading businesses in the revitalized Frenchtown Neighborhood. 

What’s your connection to St. Charles County?

I am a fifth-generation St. Charles City resident.  My great-great grandfather moved to St. Charles County as a farmer and then each generation has been business owners, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

What are your favorite things about St. Charles County?

It is a wonderful smaller community that is safe and affordable but also very close to lots of “big city” things, as well.  You are close to major sporting events, best in the world healthcare facilities, and other major cities are just a few hours away.  For us, it is the perfect place to live and to conduct our business.

If you were meeting someone looking for a location to start a business, what would you say about St. Charles County?

One of the main draws for St. Charles County is that your business could be in O'Fallon, you could live in Wentzville, and do your shopping in St. Peters and St. Charles. The main municipalities are so close and convenient. The cities work together to bring in business and share the benefits of being a busy and fast-growing community.

Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to sit down with us and share your All In St. Charles County story! We’re looking for other businesses and people who are “All In St. Charles County” to highlight for upcoming articles. Please email Stacey at sross@edcscc.com to be considered for a future article.