Three Olin alums named to St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

The three WashU Olin alumni named to this year’s St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list are all making their mark as a part of family businesses.

Among them was Chris Hoffmann MBA 2016, CEO of Deutschmann Lane Holdings, a family-owned investment company and collection of residential and commercial service companies. Hoffmann is a member of the board of the Koch Center for Family Enterprise, which studies family-owned businesses and provides insights for improving business practices.

In an interview, he described the biggest challenges his company has faced in recent years – including the pandemic and labor shortages – as well as his goal for the years ahead:

Keeping our heads down and building a world-class service business here in Saint Louis — one service call at a time.  

Chris Hoffmann

Ryan Corrigan, MBA 2014, is president of Lyon Sheet Metal, which is part of Corrigan Company Mechanical Contractors. In addition to piloting Lyon, he has served on various professional boards and has been involved in St. Louis’ startup scene, including serving as a preliminary judge for Arch Grants.

Corrigan talked about his experiences helping young professionals in St. Louis thrive:

I never thought I would enjoy teaching, coaching, or mentoring, but I have found those the most rewarding ways to give back to the community and region. 

Ryan Corrigan

Jimmy Sansone, BSBA 2010, began The Normal Brand, a lifestyle apparel brand, in his parents’ basement and now runs it with his two brothers. They’ve expanded to 11 locations across the country, including three in the St. Louis area. In addition, Sansone is involved with a number of St. Louis charities.

Sansone discussed the biggest challenge his company has faced:

Our office burned down, and with it, all of our samples for future development, and a lot of inventory … We had a new temporary office within 48 hours and we started putting the pieces back together.  

Jimmy Sansone 

Read more about St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honorees.