On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Sean Hamlin, co-founder of VHS Group and Race Haus, to break down how a home services and technology company unexpectedly evolved into one of the most exciting new motorsports experiences in St. Louis.

Sean shares how VHS Group began with smart home installations, home theaters, and custom tech builds before expanding into golf simulators—and eventually stumbling into the idea that would become Race Haus after a client requested a custom racing simulator setup. That single project quickly snowballed into a fully immersive racing lounge in Webster Groves, where guests can compete on professional-grade simulators, experience real racing dynamics, and build a growing community around motorsports.

He walks through the early days of experimentation, the rapid viral growth on social media, and how Saint Louis embraced the concept far faster than expected. From weekends packed with high-end cars outside the building to competitive leagues forming inside, Race Haus has quickly become a destination for both casual fans and serious racing enthusiasts.

The conversation also dives into what it’s like building multiple businesses at once—balancing leadership, family life, a full-time career, and entrepreneurship—plus the importance of building the right team, embracing technology, and learning when to step back and let systems scale.

From smart homes to simulators, from local experiments to national ambitions, this episode is about turning passion, technology, and community into a completely new kind of entertainment business.

They discuss:

- Building VHS Group and smart home technology services
- The origins of Race Haus and the first simulator build
- Golf simulators and early tech innovation
- Creating an immersive racing experience in Webster Groves
- Viral growth and St. Louis car community support
- Scaling multiple businesses simultaneously
- Leadership, burnout, and entrepreneurial discipline
- The role of AI, automation, and technology in growth
- Building leagues and competitive racing experiences
- Expansion plans and the future of Race Haus
- Creating a new entertainment category in St. Louis


🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

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🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
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Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with David Stine and Stephanie Abbajay—owners of Stine Woodworking—to talk about their journey from Washington, D.C. to building one of the most respected custom woodworking brands in St. Louis.

David shares how he went from practicing law to pursuing woodworking full-time, while Stephanie breaks down how their partnership—both in marriage and business—helped turn a side hustle into a nationally recognized company. From early struggles breaking into the St. Louis market to working with some of the city’s top restaurants and designers, their story is all about persistence, craftsmanship, and betting on yourself.

We talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up, the importance of relationships, and how they’ve stayed relevant for nearly 30 years. They also dive into working as a husband-and-wife team, setting boundaries, and why staying in your lane is key to long-term success.

Plus, they share insights on the future of handmade craftsmanship in an AI-driven world, the power of the St. Louis community, and how their work continues to shape some of the city’s most iconic spaces.

From career pivots to building a legacy, this episode is packed with perspective for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone chasing meaningful work.

They discuss:

- Leaving a law career to pursue woodworking
- Building a business from a Midwest farm
- Breaking into the St. Louis market
- Working with top restaurants and local brands
- The power of relationships and networking
- Running a business as a married couple
- Setting boundaries between work and life
- Staying relevant in a digital and AI-driven world
- The future of craftsmanship and skilled trades
- Why “staying in your lane” matters

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Sarah Fenske—journalist, podcast host, and writer at St. Louis Magazine—to talk about her journey through the ever-changing world of media.

She shares how she fell into journalism, built her career through traditional newsrooms, and adapted as the industry shifted from print to digital. From leading the Riverfront Times to launching a daily newsletter, Sarah has experienced every era of modern media firsthand.

We talk about how journalism has evolved, the pressure of digital metrics, and what it takes to stay relevant in a world dominated by social media and constant content.

She also opens up about the challenges of keeping quality storytelling alive, the rise of AI in media, and why she still believes in the future of local journalism—especially in St. Louis.

The conversation highlights how media is changing, but also where real opportunity still exists for creators, journalists, and storytellers willing to adapt.

From career pivots to industry insights, this episode is packed with perspective for anyone building something in media.

They discuss:

• Falling into a career in journalism
• The evolution from print to digital media
• Lessons from the Riverfront Times era
• Building a daily newsletter from scratch
• The role of social media and content creation
• AI’s impact on journalism and storytelling
• The future of local media in St. Louis
• Balancing creativity with business and advertising

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:

Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:

Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram

Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST

Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?

Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com

Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO