Meet the YPN Leadership 100: Roberto Garcia

Robert Garcia, RBC YPN

Robert Garcia can tell you the story behind Budweiser’s new “bow tie” can.

Some of the St. Louis region’s most creative minds are part of the RBC’s Young Professionals Network Leadership 100. But who are they and how are they helping to shape a stronger St. Louis?

That’s what we’re addressing in our blog series, “Meet the YPN Leadership 100,” where we introduce you to members of our YPN community who are providing exceptional leadership, service, culture and innovation to our area.

Today’s featured YPN Leadership 100 member is Roberto Garcia, associate brand manager for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Roberto earned his undergraduate degree in economics from University of Notre Dame du Lac and his MBA in global business strategy from University of North Carolina-Charlotte. He has been involved with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Latino Leadership Institute, the Michelob Ultra running team and other organizations.

Learn more about Roberto in our Q&A below!

You wear many hats. How would you introduce yourself to a new YPN member?

First off I’m a very lucky guy. I am a husband and proud father of a beautiful daughter  (Dana is my wife; Clara my 1 year old daughter).

I love my job. I work with the Budweiser Brand team at Anheuser-Busch. I also like to run and play some soccer on the weekends.

What do you enjoy about belonging to organizations like YPN?

Meeting new people from different fields. I really enjoy YPN’s vibe – it is very inviting and professional. A great way to meet new people.

The venues are always a great plus. I love going to events at places like the Peabody Opera House, Busch stadium, etc. Also, the opportunities to serve the community are really something special.

Describe a favorite project that you’re currently working on.

I have to say it is a two-way tie. First, we just launched the new Budweiser Black Crown on Super Bowl. So far, we’re killing it! We’ve heard nothing but good things about it from beer drinkers. It is great to go to a bar and see people drinking a product that you helped create. There are a lot of people working really hard on this, and I am just very fortunate to be a part of this.

The second one is the release of a can that is shaped like Budweiser’s iconic bow tie. It is the coolest can that I’ve ever held. It just launched. You should look for it!

Why should someone base their business in St. Louis?

I always say that St. Louis is ripe for greatness. There are a lot of talented people, beautiful buildings and outdoor spaces here, and it’s also very affordable.

What are your first three stops when an out-of-town friend visits?

I live in the Shaw neighborhood, so Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Gardens are a must. I also like to take people to The Hill – so many good restaurants!

What’s one St. Louis tradition that everyone must experience?

Going on an Anheuser-Busch brewery tour. I especially recommend the Beermaster VIP tour. You’ll get to drink Budweiser fresh out of the tankers where it is brewed. It doesn’t get much better than that!