Read Tom Minogue’s remarks from the Top 150 Privately Held Companies Dinner

After a rain delay last year earned him another opportunity on the dais, Thompson Coburn Chairman Tom Minogue delivered a lively speech at the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2014 Top 150 Privately Held Companies Dinner on May 1.

Tom’s speech, “7 big things for all businesses to know,” wove in business lessons, information about Thompson Coburn’s values and history, and practical advice for private companies.

Tom was the first chairman of a professional services firm to serve as the keynote speaker in the 15-year history of the event, which was attended by 500 business leaders from St. Louis’ leading private companies. Past speakers have included Bob Chapman, chairman of Barry-Wehmiller Company; Rich McClure, president of UniGroup, Inc.; and Ron Kruszewski, chief executive officer of Stifel Financial.

In his remarks, Tom touched on what it’s like to be the managing partner of St. Louis’ largest law. While giving credit to the exceptional companies in the room, Tom detailed seven best practices that Thompson Coburn has adopted as a privately held company: Celebrate your founders; create a set of values; have a plan; invest in growth and change; spend on technology; “It’s all about clients and people”; and take advantage of the fact that it’s your business.

“Take advantage of the fact that you’re a private company and create your own unique place that works just how you want it for all your people,” Tom said. “Nothing’s more important to your success than that.”