Conversations with Trey Meyers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey Meyers

Hi Trey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born in Arcadia, California, and raised in a military family, I grew up experiencing life across multiple states, including Washington and Arizona, before settling in Kansas. My journey has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences, each contributing to the person I am today.

Growing up in Lansing, Kansas, I attended Lansing High School, where I developed a strong passion for athletics. I competed for four years on the boys’ swim team, ultimately serving as the team captain. Additionally, I played both golf and soccer, further fueling my competitive spirit and teamwork skills. Beyond sports, I dedicated much of my youth to the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 2013 at the age of 13. At the time, I was the youngest individual to earn this honor in the state of Kansas, an achievement that instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and perseverance.

After high school, I pursued higher education at Pittsburg State University, where I earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication and Marketing in December 2021, a Master of Arts in Communications in May 2023, and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources in May 2024. My academic journey was not just about earning degrees but also about making a meaningful impact. As a graduate teaching assistant for the Department of Communication, I taught Speech Communication, Media Writing and Copy, and Strategic Communication courses. In recognition of my dedication to education and mentorship, I was honored with the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year Award for 2022/2023.

Throughout my professional career, I have been deeply connected to the hospitality industry, driven by my passion for food and service. My roles in marketing and communications have allowed me to merge my love for the culinary world with my expertise in brand development and audience engagement. Currently, I serve as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Missouri Restaurant Association, where I lead branding initiatives, enhance program outreach, and develop strategic campaigns to support the hospitality sector. Additionally, I contribute to Kansas City’s vibrant food scene as a board member for Kansas City Restaurant Week, collaborating with Visit KC to create impactful marketing strategies and foster connections within the restaurant industry.

I am a huge people person, and I attribute much of my success to learning from others throughout my educational and professional careers. The relationships I have built along the way have played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I owe special thanks to my family for being my unwavering support system and to my friends who have been with me every step of the way.

My journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in academics, professional endeavors, or personal growth. In 2024, I was honored with the Next Gen Under 30 in Kansas Award, a recognition that reflects my commitment to innovation and leadership in my field.

From my early years as a military child moving across states to my current role as a communications professional, my story is one of adaptability, ambition, and an enduring love for food and community. I look forward to continuing to make an impact in the marketing and hospitality industries while embracing new opportunities for growth and creativity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is my young age. When I was a graduate assistant in college at 22-23 years old, many of my students were in my age range or even older. Gaining their respect was difficult, and I had to learn how to adapt my teaching style and personality to connect with them while still maintaining professionalism. I believe in a personal, proactive, and flexible approach—understanding that everyone has a life outside the classroom, often dealing with unseen challenges. Creating a relatable and personable dynamic was key, as even the smallest gestures can make a significant impact.

This age gap challenge has also extended into my professional career. I work closely with restaurateurs in the Kansas City market, many of whom struggle with the rapid evolution of technology, marketing, and AI-driven brand outreach. Because of my expertise, I often feel both external and internal pressure to lead the charge in modernizing our association’s marketing approach. The challenge isn’t just implementing new strategies but also ensuring they are accessible and sustainable for restaurant owners who may not be as tech-savvy. My goal is to build a foundation that can be seamlessly adopted across the Kansas City restaurant scene, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

As Jeffery Barnes once said, “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” This quote resonates deeply with me, as the journey to overcome obstacles and make an impact requires relentless effort, adaptability, and perseverance. It’s not just about having a vision; it’s about putting in the work to make that vision a reality.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is a blend of both formative and creative tasks. Currently, I am working with the Missouri Restaurant Association (MRA), a 501(c)(3) organization that advocates, educates, and represents the restaurant and hospitality industry across Missouri. At MRA, I am actively involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting and advancing the interests of this vital industry.

In addition to my professional work, my academic journey has also played an integral role in shaping my approach. During my educational career, I contributed to several significant studies, including:

Mason, A. M., Spencer, E. A., Livingston, K., Meyers, T., & Bhati, S. (2022, Oct). Probing the Web Accessibility of Medical Tourism Providers Digital Marketing & Advertising Health Communication Strategies.

Mason, A. M., Dixon, H., Lewis, I., Merida, M., & Meyers, T. (2022, Dec). Understanding Midwest Family Communication Practices about Risk of Fentanyl.

Mason, A. M., Spencer, E. A., Livingston, K., Meyers, T., & Bhati, S. (2023, May). A mixed-method, computer-automated analysis of the general web accessibility of contact pages and visual authenticity within medical tourism providers’ websites. Submitted to the Journal of Tourism and Leisure Studies.

These academic experiences have enriched my work and helped me approach challenges with a research-driven perspective, whether it’s advocating for the restaurant industry or analyzing web accessibility in healthcare communication. You can see my creative portfolio of work through this link: https://treymeyers13.wixsite.com/trey-meyers-personal

Who else deserves credit in your story?
For the Academic Research Studies Here who also deserves credit for research we participated in:

Alicia Mason, Issac Lewis, Hannah Dixon, Kristen Livingston, Sakshi Bahti, Elizabeth Spencer

For my Professional Work with the Missouri Restaurant Association: My colleagues include Buddy Lahl, Mike Burris, Bill Gomel, Natasha Fuller

Contact Info:

• Website: https://treymeyers13.wixsite.com/trey-meyers-personal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trey.meyers.161/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treymeyers1515/