Who's Who 2012 - Ray Ressel

Ray Ressel is a busy man. He's the chef and owner of Ray's Restaurant in Kelso, Mo., and Ray's Plaza Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau. As if running two businesses wasn't enough, he also volunteers and donates services to several organizations. In his Who's Who nomination, Ressel was described as "the textbook definition of a great community leader, and the world is always in need of more people like him." He donates time and services to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, United Way, March of Dimes, Lutheran Family & Children's Services and many of the area's Catholic Home and School programs, among others. Ressel says any cause that benefits youth is of great importance: "(They) will only be as successful as their environment they learned in from today." His family consists of his wife, Cindy; four sons, Greg, James, Jason and Michael; and his 6-year-old grandson Chad, who is his "right-hand man."

__What do you love about your work?__

Constant change. Always a new day, always a new challenge.

__What's your No. 1 goal at work?__

Guest satisfaction.

__What inspires you?__

God, family and then competition.

__What's the secret to your success?__

Successful in some areas, I am, other areas I am not. However, overall I credit my family ... they are the ones who make me look good.