The Guiding Principles: 10 Things Bret Schnitker Can't Live Without
Photography By Matt Marcincowski
Written By Carrie Edelstein
He’s the CEO and President of Stars Design Group, a company that has been designing and manufacturing apparel for more than 20 years, right here in St. Louis. It’s a career that has taken Bret Schnitker to more than 60 countries, and he’s still passionate about what he does, even mentoring some of St. Louis’ rising stars. “The clothing or accessories that catch my attention today are from new and upcoming young designers finding unique niches and statements in our modern culture. It is incredibly challenging to make your mark in the apparel world these days, and many don't survive. Supporting this next generation and their drive is significant.”
That includes embracing technology. Less than two years ago, the company renovated a building on Gravois in Historic Soulard to create a state-of-the-art headquarters where clients from all over come to design and create clothing lines. The team uses Israeli-based technology to offer clients a 3D look at exactly how a design and fabric will perform– something Schnitker says “only 2% of the industry is doing right now.”
It’s not necessarily “things” that Schnitker can’t live without– rather the guiding principles that we could all take inspiration from and consider where each item ranks in our own lives.
1) Faith. “I believe entirely in God as our creator. There is clear evidence that without divine intervention in my life and career, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
2) Family– his wife, Kelly, and his three sons Bret, Dylan and Wes.
3) Air. “This is a given requirement for life, but if given a choice of air to breathe consistently, my preference would be the Northern California Coastal Air. It reminds me of living there for most of my childhood– life was idyllic, and the Pacific ocean has always inspiring.”
4) Food. “With my global experience, ‘the world has been my oyster.’” His favorite? A restaurant called Baan Rim Paa in Patong, Thailand. “It's a treehouse over the ocean serving the best Thai cuisine.” If you can’t make it there, Schnitker recommends Indo, Everest, Mai Lee and Sen Thai, all local.
5) Water. Schnitker says, “As Americans, our choices are endless, but I recall feeling the most satiated with mineral water out of Ethiopia, where I was stationed for about three years, called Ambo. This water is naturally carbonated and comes from a spring in Central Ethiopia. Stories have it that the last emperor of Ethiopia used to travel there to drink it for its therapeutic properties.”
6) Shelter. “We are fortunate to have both a beautiful home and office that are extensions of our personal experience and outlets for our creativity. My favorite places overseas are the Intercontinental Sun in Danang, Vietnam, Leela Palace in Bangalore, India, Rajvillas in Jaipur India, and Intercontinental Wonderland in Shanghai China. The places are incredible landmarks and the people are so kind and caring.”
7) Clothing. Schnitker is partial to John Varvatos and Adriano Goldschmied and might someday create his own line.
8) Human Relationship. “Long after the things I've purchased lose their meaning, the friendships cultivated around the world will still be there. This place we live on seems so small, but the diversity of people and culture is the spice of life. The vast majority of people around the globe all want peace and to develop cross-cultural relationships that help secure stable and safe environments to raise their families.”
9) Communication. “We live in a more interconnected world than ever before, and for sure, life would be so different without my Apple cell phone and a robust global wireless package.”
10) Mobility. Schnitker says, “I would hope as long as I physically can, I would be traveling. I have so many more places to see and experience, so my passport and great airlines to take me to destinations remain highly relevant. My two most favorites are Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Incredible care and comfort on really long hauls make a big difference on how I hit the ground running when visiting our offices or partners overseas.”