Legacy & Leadership: The Next Chapter of Two Iconic St. Louis Family Businesses
Presented By: Merrill
Family enterprises often define the economic and cultural fabric of a community. In this fireside conversation, Rachel Wallis Andreasson of Wallis Companies and Jacob Herschend of Herschend Entertainment reflect on the legacy of two of St. Louis’ most recognized family businesses. Together they explore the responsibilities of multi-generational ownership, the challenges of leadership transition, and how family enterprises evolve while preserving the values that built them.
Moderator:
Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Business Development Specialist
Merrill Lynch
Nancy is an Assistant Vice President at Merrill Lynch, where she focuses on private wealth business development for business owners and executives navigating a transition or liquidity event. She works alongside Tom Singh and the team at Singh & Associates to support clients before, during, and after mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning.
In her role, Nancy helps drive strategic growth by managing prospect pipelines, identifying opportunities aligned with complex financial events, and coordinating customized support for high-net-worth individuals and families. She partners closely with the team to ensure clients are positioned thoughtfully through this process.
Prior to her career in wealth management, Nancy spent a decade in broadcasting as a freelance sports reporter with ESPN3, CBS Atlanta, and IMG Sports Marketing. That experience sharpened her communication skills and ability to perform in high‑stakes environments. Nancy is a proud graduate of The University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in Speech Communications.
Panelists:
3rd Generation Shareholder & Education
Herschend Entertainment
Jacob A. Herschend is a third-generation stockholder of Herschend Entertainment. He is deeply committed to helping families establish or build their legacies, with a vision of becoming families that are in business together. To that effort Jacob serves on the Education Committee for the family.
Most recently he has returned to Marsh McLennan in St. Louis, Missouri (MMA:StL), after a two-year hiatus. He now serves as Senior Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency, where he leads the Family Business Practice Group for the region, with a particular focus on multi-generational family-owned and operated businesses. Jacob has also built an extensive network of privately-owned businesses operating throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Prior to returning to MMA:StL Jacob spent two years with Brightstar Capital Partners a Private Equity Firm based in New York City. He was responsible for Business Development for the Midwest and building a robust network across many different industries.
Principal
The Sixth Level
Rachel Wallis Andreasson, MBA, is a Principal of The Sixth Level Collaborative, dedicated to creating company cultures that no one wants to leave. She is a second generation owner of her family business, Wallis Companies. Throughout her career, Rachel has been recognized for creating sustainable infrastructure and governance systems and helping individuals realize their full potential.