The St. Louis Business 500 highlights some of the metro area’s most impactful, innovative, and inspirational leaders, from C-suite executives to under-the-radar entrepreneurs across an array of industries.
Beyond the brief bios below, we created a questionnaire to shed light on some of these leaders’ achievements, aspirations, and interests beyond the office. Click the names highlighted in blue for more interesting insights from some of St. Louis’ top business leaders.
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COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
Principal, Office Practice Leader, CannonDesign
Phillips’ career began in pediatric cancer research before she shifted to the world of innovative design and joined CannonDesign’s St. Louis office. Phillips’ clients have included BJC HealthCare, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. As for the future of her industry, Phillips “is enthusiastic about the era of rapid technological advancement and its potential to enable us to build more swiftly with reduced labor efforts, especially as labor shortages persist. These innovations could be crucial in bridging the gap between housing need and supply.”
Co-CEO, HOK
Hoisington has much to be proud of over his 20-year tenure at HOK. Most recently, the firm was selected to lead the redesign of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a project that will see HOK team with a group of local partners. Hoisington credits HOK’s success to its “increased investment in design research, a greater emphasis on internal HOK design competitions, and more collaboration across the company’s 26 global studios.” A New Hampshire native, Hoisington has called St. Louis home for the past decade.
Daniel Cutter
President, CD Companies
Cutter brings more than 30 years of experience to his leadership role at CD Companies, where he oversees all senior management and drives long-term sales goals. Founded in 1959, CD Companies is a full-service architecture and design firm based in Maplewood, with regional offices across the nation. CD Companies staffs design, architecture, and engineering professionals, and it offers full-service integrated design to such clients as Four Seasons, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Kohl’s.
Patrick Holleran
Senior Principal, HDA
Over the past year, HDA has seen significant changes. Following Green Street’s 2020 acquisition of the organization, sole company ownership was returned last year to company owner Jack Holleran, Patrick Holleran’s father. HDA also secured a number of diversified projects throughout the country, including industrial, auto, retail, mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, and interior projects in design or under construction. “Our city faces more challenges than it ever has before,” Holleran says. “I truly believe we will have a renaissance that will be talked about nationally.”
Jeff Ryan
Managing Principal–Design, Christner Architects
Founded in St. Louis in 1963, Christner Architects provides planning and design services to clients across the Midwest. Ryan has led the design of numerous award-winning projects, including expansions for the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the Center of Creative Arts (COCA).
Joe Brinkmann
Principal, Trivers
Brinkmann started his career at Trivers as a construction administrator before being named president in 2012 and assuming ownership of the company in 2015. Before joining Trivers, Brinkmann designed solar homes, and today he remains committed to incorporating sustainability into design. His work includes the new College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville and the renovation of Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in San Antonio—the first LEED Platinum building for the U.S. General Services Administration.
Peter Tao
Principal and Founder, TAO + LEE Associates
Tao has nearly 40 years of experience. He earned a graduate degree in architecture from Columbia University and practiced in New York and London before moving to St. Louis to start his own firm in August 1995 with his wife and TAO + LEE co-founder, Helen Lee. The firm has completed projects for the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, WashU, and Ballpark Village, to name a few.
Mike Deane
Principal, M+H Architects
For 27 years, Deane has worked at M+H, where he pushes the team’s creativity and challenges them to work in new and exciting ways. He encourages collaboration and explores alternatives in materials and systems. The firm was founded in 1989 as Mitchell and Hugeback Architects before becoming M+H in 2008. Today, the firm has 34 employees, and its recent projects include Novus Health’s relocation and renovation, as well as World Wide Technology’s global headquarters.
Chairman and CEO, PGAV
In spring 2023, Konzen and the team at PGAV helped open SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest theme park focusing on marine animals. It’s since won numerous awards, including the Theme Entertainment Association’s “Best New Theme Park of the Year.” “The project was a culmination of a 10-year process involving most of the designers in our company,” says Konzen, whose firm has designed equally inspiring attractions, exhibits, and experiences locally and elsewhere around the globe.
Steve Emer
President, Mackey Mitchell Architects
Originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey, Emer joined Mackey Mitchell in 1996 and was named a principal in 2008. In 2013, Emer was unanimously elected the company’s president. Emer’s primary focus is student housing for higher education clients, such as Eastern Michigan University, Notre Dame, and the University of Wyoming. In his spare time, Emer enjoys traveling, learning about history, and trying new cuisines.
Tim Kwiatkowski
President and CEO, FGM Architects
Kwiatkowski joined FGM Architects in 1999 and was named executive vice president and managing director of the firm’s St. Louis region in 2018. After leading the growth of FGM’s practice in Missouri, he now oversees operations across seven offices in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. FGM, which started in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, in 1945, employs more than 170 architects, designers, and professionals who manage projects nationwide. Its work includes rec centers, aquatic centers, schools, and federal and corporate buildings.
Tyler Meyr
Executive Director, Lamar Johnson Cooperative
Meyr leads Lamar Johnson Cooperative’s team in executing the firm’s integrated design model for architecture, landscape, master planning, and interiors. LJC boasts a national and international portfolio, including work in Los Angeles, London, Antwerp, St. Louis, and Istanbul. Meyr earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Tulane, as well as a master’s of architecture degree in urban design from Harvard University—an educational background that Meyr draws upon while adapting his work to today’s ever-evolving urban environments.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Craig Wielansky
President, L3 Corporation
Since creating L3 Corporation in 1998, Wielansky has worked with a wide range of retailers, including Home Depot, Golf Galaxy, and PetSmart, among others. During his time with L3, Wielansky has completed more than 40 million square feet of tenant representation in more than 140 cities throughout the United States and Canada.
Chris McKee
President, CRG
From conception to execution, McKee is in the business of bringing ideas to life. “Whether it’s a beautiful building, a company, or a team, I find great success and joy in seeing an idea on a piece of paper become a reality,” says McKee. Today, the real estate and development firm has more than 220 million square feet of assets valued at more than $14 billion.
Co-founder, Delmar Maker District, MADE, Third Degree Glass Factory
Along with leading Third Degree Glass Factory, an open-access glass studio and private-event venue, Auer has been instrumental in growing the Delmar Maker District, which celebrated the openings of five new restaurants last year. He credits the insights of colleagues at the St. Louis chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization for providing sound business advice. “I was fortunate to be a part of an amazing group of local business owners for many years,” he says. “EO and that group propelled the businesses to where they are today.”
Founder and CEO, Good Developments Group
Founded by Gleicher in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Good Developments Group focuses on implementing unique solutions to enhance the built environment. Gleicher cut his teeth with New York City–based JDS Development Group, which lends him a unique perspective on efforts such as Gateway South, a $1.2 billion project aimed at reinvigorating a 100-acre site south of the Gateway Arch. “The right projects can create significant value for a city and for the people within that city,” he says.
President, TriStar Properties
With Towerman at the helm, TriStar Properties is looking toward the future. Towerman oversaw the 2024 groundbreaking of a vital new product: build-for-rent homes. “This asset class, which consists of neighborhoods of homes built with the intent of renting rather than selling to end users, has become extraordinarily popular across the Sun Belt, but very little of it exists in the Midwest,” he says, “and we are excited about being one of the pioneers of it in our region.”
John Ross
CEO and Managing Partner, Summit Real Estate Group
After a decade in the industry, Ross decided to step out on his own; he founded Summit Real Estate Group in 1995. Through his stewardship, Summit is responsible for more than 6 million square feet of industrial, office, and retail space, valued at more than $1 billion. Yet Ross’ greatest achievements may be his philanthropic ones. He served on the board of Churchill Center & School and The Magic House, where he oversaw a $10 million expansion.
Jonathan Browne
President, Novus Companies
Browne knows the family business. As a student at Lindbergh High School, he worked part-time in his father’s grocery stores, Brown & Sons’ IGA, in Kirkwood and Fenton. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Samford University, Browne returned home to join the family business full-time. Seeing an opportunity to expand its footprint, Browne converted the grocery stores into retail and office centers. Finally, in 1988, Browne established Novus Companies and helped lead it through projects totaling more than 1 million square feet.
Kyle Howerton
Managing Principal/Partner and Co-founder, AHM Group
AHM Group is helping revitalize St. Louis. With Howerton managing all aspects of the firm’s business, AHM has delivered urban development projects under its construction arm while managing a growing portfolio of multifamily apartments and mixed-use properties. In 2025, the group plans to break ground on a $232 million Downtown West project to reimagine the area with mixed-use housing and commercial space—ultimately living up to Howerton’s mission to promote the city’s culture, history, and innovation.
Mark Branstetter
Partner, Panattoni Development
For more than 20 years, Branstetter has brought expertise in design, development, leasing, financing, and sales to the world of commercial real estate. The results are impressive. As a partner in St. Louis and Indianapolis, Branstetter’s direct involvement in regional development projects totals approximately 7 million square feet of space and 1,500 acres of land. The value of his work: around $650 million.
Jassen Johnson
Founder, ONYX
Some developers refuse to take their foot off the gas. Johnson prefers a different approach. With more than two decades of experience under his belt, Johnson realized the best way to demonstrate how the company does things differently is to pause, reflect, and appreciate the team’s accomplishments. It has paid off. ONYX is highly regarded for its thoughtfully developed projects, such as Malone, a modern mixed-use apartment building in Midtown.
Matthew P. Masiel
Founder and President, Screaming Eagle Development
There’s no secret to how Screaming Eagle Development came up with its name. Masiel is a combat veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division, a renowned unit known colloquially as “The Screaming Eagles.” Just as there’s plenty of history behind the company’s name, Masiel and his team also tackle historic properties and transform them into vibrant living spaces throughout the region. A few notable projects include the Lofts at the Mac, Front Page Lofts, and Lofts at the HUPP.
Michael Denckhoff
Founder, Savoy Properties
Denckhoff began his entrepreneurial journey long before founding Savoy Properties in 2000. As a 10-year-old, the enterprising youngster sold bubblegum to classmates on the playground, which sparked a life of business ideas that culminated in the launch of Savoy at the turn of the millennium. Since then, Savoy has grown and evolved, with the company contributing to the development of such projects as 4 Hands Brewing Co. in Kirkwood and Ronnie’s Plaza, as well as The Madison, The Barclay, and The Hutton.
President, The Staenberg Group
Staenberg’s childhood taught him to value what matters. His first job was bagging groceries. “I learned a lot about good customer service,” he recalls. Among the lessons that have stayed with him: “You have two ears and one mouth. Remember to listen—that is when you learn the most.” Today, Staenberg leads a team dedicated to delivering ambitious, game-changing developments, such as The District and the forthcoming Downtown Chesterfield. Staenberg also gives back to the community in other ways, including more than $100 million in cumulative donations through the Staenberg Family Foundation.
Robert D. Cissell
Owner and Managing Broker, Cissell Mueller Co. LLC
For more than 30 years, Cissell has helped guide Cissell Mueller Co. from a small bedroom office to a well-regarded, multimillion-dollar real estate firm. Cissell is very much a hands-on kind of guy: He oversees licensed real estate brokers, support staff, and daily operations while reviewing and negotiating real estate contracts, tenant leases, site selections, and more. It’s this attitude that has turned Cissell Mueller into the success story that it is today.
Matthew Hrubes
Managing Director and Brokerage Market Leader, Colliers St. Louis
At the start of 2025, Hrubes joined Colliers as managing director and brokerage market leader for St. Louis. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Hrubes leads a team of professionals specializing in commercial real estate brokerage, property management, corporate solutions, and capital markets. “We will continue to grow our market share in the Greater St. Louis area, as well as being leaders in our community,” he says. “Our strong culture and reputation is a main ingredient for our success.”
Scott Sachtleben
CEO and Managing Principal, US Capital Development
USCD regularly delivers high-quality projects on time and within budget, thanks in large part to Sachtleben’s leadership. Sachtleben uses his expertise to develop marquee projects, including health care centers, office space, data centers, cold storage, and industrial warehouses. Sachtleben is also a veteran of the legal profession, having previously served as a senior partner with the Greensfelder law firm in St. Louis.
Steve Brown
President and CEO, Balke Brown Transwestern
Brown has led the company from being a humble office developer to one of the leading real estate firms in the region. Yet the aspect that sets Balke Brown Transwestern apart is its ownership model: The firm is 100 percent employee owned, signaling a strong company culture and an enduring legacy that lends itself to building relationships. Brown is responsible for developing numerous real estate assets in the region, which have an aggregate value of more than $800 million.
Steve Smith
CEO, Lawrence Group
Smith thinks differently about real estate development. He and his team at the Lawrence Group have been at the forefront of revitalizing St. Louis through projects big and small by using innovation, memorable architecture, and sustainable designs. Notable recent projects include the Washington University School of Medicine Ambulatory Cancer Center, City Foundry STL, and Augustana College’s Wagoner Hall.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
Christopher Fox
CEO and Managing Principal, Gershman CRE
During his first six years with Gershman CRE, Fox led the acquisition of more than $160 million in investment property on behalf of the company’s equity branch. In 2019, Fox was promoted to president and CEO and led the acquisition of the company from the Gershman family three years later. Today, Fox oversees brokerage and asset management services for the thriving real estate firm.
Senior Managing Director, JLL
Health and wellness are front and center for Steinbach. Post-pandemic shifts in attitude and changes in demand for office space are driving innovation in design, air filtration systems, and more. Steinbach says these changes have pushed JLL to enhance its expertise in space utilization analysis, flexible office solutions, and technology integration. “We’re excited about the opportunity to guide clients through this evolution, helping them implement wellness-focused strategies that not only attract and retain top talent but also improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity.”
Adam Glosier
Partner, Scout Realty Group
Glosier first learned about real estate from his father, watching him work on land development plans at home. The Missouri native played college basketball at the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Truman State University. As a partner at Scout Realty Group, alongside Jared Hancock and Chris Zoellner, Glosier has worked on shopping center developments in nearly 40 states. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, skiing, woodworking, and traveling.
H. Meade Summers
CEO and President, Hilliker Corp.
Summers is a well-respected expert in the real estate industry, and his contributions can’t be overstated: In just four short years, Summers went from being a real estate agent to being named principal of the company in 1990. Since joining the firm, Summers has overseen the redevelopment of more than 3 million square feet of building space, including high-profile rehabilitation projects, such as the Falstaff Brewery complex, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch building, and the Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Works.
Ian Silberman
Co-founder and Principal, Location CRE
While not originally from St. Louis, Silberman has made it his home over several decades. He oversees the firm’s brokerage, investment, and operational teams. At the same time, his contributions to philanthropic causes set him apart as a leader in the region, including his work with the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Wexner Foundation, and Hillel at Washington University.
Senior Managing Director, CBRE
Since joining CBRE in 2000, Kaiser has risen through the ranks. He first distinguished himself as a top producer in office leasing, with more than $500 million in total transactions. After he was named senior managing director in 2021, Kaiser helped grow the St. Louis office to become the No. 1 commercial real estate firm in the local market. His steady leadership as senior vice president was a great asset during the financial crisis in 2008–2009: “We had to be flexible and remain patient as it took years to return to normalcy.”
Kelly Diehl
Managing Principal, Cushman & Wakefield
Diehl hasn’t slowed a bit since joining the commercial real estate industry more than 30 years ago. In 2020, she joined Cushman & Wakefield as managing principal in the St. Louis office. In 2022 alone, Diehl’s team of 300-plus professionals closed on more than $1.34 billion in transactions. And in 2023, Diehl became the company’s top executive for the Kansas City office, so she’s busier than ever.
Robert Kahn
Managing Partner and Broker, Realty Exchange
For nearly 30 years, Kahn has held his current role at Realty Exchange, which specializes in selling investment and commercial properties, such as apartment complexes, multifamily properties, office buildings, industrial warehouses, retail space, and land. Prior to his current role, Kahn worked in both management consulting and marketing at various Fortune 500 companies.
Mark J. Schnuck
Chairman, NAI DESCO
While Schnuck has a last name that almost everyone in the St. Louis metro recognizes, he’s also carved out an impressive reputation in the real estate industry. Before joining The DESCO Group in 1993, Schnuck served in a variety of roles at Schnuck Markets Inc.—including as senior real estate officer. Now, he leads the development, acquisition, brokerage, property management, and market research services for NAI DESCO’s corporate, institutional, and individual property owner clients in the firm’s commercial, industrial, and retail sectors.
Paul Murphy
Co-founder and Principal, BarberMurphy
Few in the industry are as knowledgeable about the markets they serve as Murphy. He was born and raised in southern Illinois—today, along with the Metro East, it’s the market where he primarily operates. Murphy touts more than a decade of commercial lending experience and 20-plus years of direct commercial real estate experience. His work can be seen across these regions, including a 66,300-square-foot apartment complex in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Nick, Doug, Tim, and Jim Sansone
Principals, Sansone Group
Anthony F. Sansone Sr. founded Sansone Group in 1957. Today, four of his sons lead the business together. Sansone Group focuses on brokerage services for commercial and residential properties, along with management, development, and redevelopment. The award-winning company has brought myriad projects to life across the region and far beyond, including in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where Legacy Park at Tradition is named for their father.
Jason Deem
Owner, South Side Spaces
Deem has spent more than two decades working to develop Gravois Park through his development company, South Side Spaces, which specializes in renovating historic buildings. Case in point: After a South City building’s roof collapsed in 2015, Deem convinced the previous owners to sell it, and his company restored the building. Today, the location is home to Big Heart Tea Co., the woman-owned business that’s an Arch Grants winner and The New York Times recently proclaimed among “the best teas we’ve tasted.” Nearly 15 years ago, Deem also opened St. Louis’ first coworking space, Nebula, at the corner of Cherokee and Jefferson. He’s also an owner and contributor to nextstl.com and serves on the boards of the Cherokee Street Community Improvement District and the National Building Arts Center.
Joe McKee
Chairman, PARIC Holdings
A lot has changed for McKee during the past year. In April, he shifted to his current role of chairman, after promoting Kyle Lopez to the new CEO of PARIC Holdings. The company oversees several privately held building and design firms, including Cooperative Building Solutions, Henning Construction, Continua Interiors, and PARIC Corp. Last fall, McKee, along with his brother, Chris, sold their equity stake in Stifel Theatre, which they helped reopen in 2011.
Paul Shaughnessy
President, BSI Constructors
Joseph Shaughnessy and Lorenz Bannes founded BSI Constructors in 1972, and it has remained exclusively owned by the Shaughnessy family since 1989. BSI Constructors offers expertise in architectural concrete, public gardens and plazas, and historic renovation. Paul Shaughnessy, who has served as president since 2000, has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri–Columbia, as well as an MBA from WashU’s Olin Business School.
Scott Plocher
President, Plocher Construction
Plocher’s firm has a diverse portfolio of projects that includes the new playground at Brentwood Park; the Park North Golf Club in Edwardsville, Illinois; MetroLink track extensions; and various school and church developments across the region. Plocher Construction also embraces heavy industrial projects, such as building municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, installing pile at electricity-generating coal plants, and constructing ethanol production facilities.
Executive Chairman of the Board, Alberici Corp.
In the company’s 106th year of operation, Hesser oversees more than $8 billion of work. Part of the company’s success stems from its focus on promoting from within and capitalizing on the firm’s talent. “As a result, we are poised to meet ever-evolving local and national building needs, especially in an era of massive infrastructure improvements, including electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and alternative energy, along with our core markets,” says Hesser, who recently became executive chairman of the board, after serving as president and CEO. Jose Garcia succeeds Hesser as president of Alberici Constructors.
Jeff Cook
Co-founder and CEO, ARCO Construction
Established in 1992, ARCO Construction is a design-build general contractor firm that specializes in warehouse and distribution. Yet Cook never planned for ARCO to become the industry powerhouse that it is today—he and co-founder Dick Arnoldy just wanted to control their own destinies. It’s worked out. “Our thought was, you get really good people, you hire the best and brightest, you give them the tools, and if you can do that, you’re going to go create something that’s bigger than what you’ve got today,” Cook says.
Rusty Keeley
CEO, Keeley Companies
Keeley’s first exposure to the family business came when he was 16 years old and worked with field crews to finish asphalt jobs and learn exactly how things happened. Keeley became CEO in 2005 and has helped lead a new era of growth for the company. Keeley has three full-service paving offices in St. Louis, Phoenix, and New Braunfels, Texas. Beyond his day job, Keeley is a leader in the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves on the board of Reliance Bank, St. Patrick Center, and Concordance Academy.
John Buescher
CEO, McCarthy Building Companies–Central Region
A company is only as good as its people, and Buescher understands this adage well. As CEO of McCarthy Building Companies’ central region, he has prioritized recruiting and retaining top talent throughout his executive career. He’s now responsible for the long-term success of the firm’s regional business, which includes 28 states east of the Rockies. McCarthy has developed and executed notable housing, educational, office, data center, and health care projects. In February 2025, McCarthy announced Ryan Sawall would succeed Buescher as the regional CEO, while Buescher has assumed a new role as a senior-level advisor.
Ryan Poettker
President, Poettker Construction
Poettker has been working at the national design-build and construction management company for nearly 30 years, starting as warehouse/field support. The family-owned firm has offices in St. Louis; Breese, Illinois; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Poettker is a certified LEED accredited professional and has a degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville.
Todd Weaver
CEO, TW Constructors
Weaver’s industry experience traces all the way back to when he was merely 12 years old. He wanted to help with household expenses, so he reached out to a local construction company and asked for a job. He mowed grass, cleaned the warehouse, and welcomed any odd task that he could fit into his after-school schedule. Today, he oversees the full-service design and build contractor, which offers in-house HVAC, fire suppression, and glazing services.
Chris Gottman
Presidennt and CEO, Millstone Weber
At the start of the new year, Gottman took the helm at the St. Charles–based construction company, which operates in numerous sectors of infrastructure and transportation. The company was also recently tapped to expand a 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia and Kingdom City in Missouri. The company is teaming up with Dallas-based contractor Jacobs to build the first portion of the 200-mile, $2.8 billion highway overhaul; the project is expected to be completed by late 2027.
Michael Yazbec
President, S.M. Wilson
Last summer, after a year-long search, Yazbec was named president of the St. Louis–based construction firm, which was founded in 1921 by Shouse McGarvey Wilson. Yazbec brings more than 35 years of industry experience. Prior to his current role, he served as executive managing director, project and development services, for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a Chicago-based commercial real estate and property investment firm. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
President and CEO, Tarlton Corporation
Lifeguarding was Hart’s first job. It gave her an understanding of three key lessons: always wear sunscreen, hustling matters, and hard work pays off. With Tarlton, Hart is proud to be able to service a diverse array of work types, including construction, preconstruction, green building, and advanced technology applications. On weekends, you’ll find the California native soaking up the great outdoors. Hart enjoys biking, running, swimming, paddleboarding, and practicing yoga.
Anthony Johnson
CEO, Clayco
A 17-year veteran of Clayco, Johnson recently took the helm of the Chicago-based company, following the retirement of Russ Burns. Prior to his new role, Johnson served as the company’s executive vice president and head of the company’s industrial business unit. He is known for his expertise in strategy and innovation, helping companies optimize and expand their manufacturing, supply chain, and industrial operations. He has led Clayco’s industrial business unit to top-ranked status in its core market segments, delivering some of the most technically complex projects across the U.S. An avid skier, Johnson maintains a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Brian Murphy Sr.
President, BAM Contracting
Founded in 1998, BAM Contracting started a new chapter when Murphy became its sole owner in 2009. Amid a historic national financial crisis, Murphy steered the ship toward success by focusing on high-quality woodwork, interior/exterior trim projects, and historic rehabs and developments. The result: a still-growing legacy as one of the finest subcontractors in the region and a proud minority-owned business enterprise and disadvantaged-owned business enterprise that’s certified in both Missouri and Illinois.
Brent Korte
President and CEO, Korte Company
Korte knows the ins and outs of The Korte Company. While he’s currently the president and CEO for the nearly 70-year-old firm, Korte has also held roles as its chief operating officer, executive vice president of construction, project executive, project manager, and more throughout his 26 years there. These experiences inform how he leads the company today and into the future, as it continues to live up to its heritage of smart, innovative construction.
Brian Satterthwaite
CEO, Brinkmann Constructors
Satterthwaite has been part of Brinkmann’s leadership team for nearly two decades, bringing a steady, hands-on approach that embraces “The Brinkmann Way.” This approach and the strong relationships that Satterthwaite maintains—along with his commitment to local organizations, such as the Young Presidents’ Organization, Junior Achievement, and Ronald McDonald House Charities—underscores how much he cares about supporting the region’s people and businesses.
Bruce Holland
CEO, Holland Construction Services
The world looked a little different when Holland Construction Services was founded in 1986. But one thing that’s remained unchanged is Holland’s commitment to building and sustaining relationships. Holland’s steady hand in land assemblage and building construction leads this pursuit of enduring collaboration. The firm specializes in constructing health care and educational facilities, financial institutions, office buildings, retail and shopping centers, multifamily and student housing, and more.
Don Musick III
CEO, Musick Construction
The Musick family has been in the construction business since the 1880s. As a fifth-generation leader, Musick has helped usher the company into modernity by focusing on consistent quality workmanship, customer service, meeting client schedules, and supporting and developing minority-owned businesses in the region. “Musick Construction will maintain relevance in a changing world by listening to and understanding the needs of our clients and communities as we all work towards building the next century,” he says.
SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS
Rich Ledbetter
CEO, Guarantee Electrical Company
Ledbetter’s company has deep St. Louis roots—it even produced the electricity that lit the 1904 World’s Fair. Since 2015, the organization has been 100 percent employee-owned and brings in annual revenue between $400 million and $500 million. “We have teams that are working on solar in Illinois. We have teams that are working on preventative maintenance and EV charging,” Ledbetter says. “It’s an incredible time to be an electrical contractor. We call it the electrification of the universe.”
Pat Murphy Jr.
President and CEO, Murphy Company
Over the past three decades, Murphy has worked in every department of the company, providing him with an informed view of all the services offered by the Murphy Company, a mechanical and industrial contractor that serves commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors.
Steve Stone
CEO, ArchKey Solutions
Stone leads a company that employs nearly 500 engineering, design, and project managers, while serving nearly two dozen markets and more than 1,000 new construction customers over the past five years. Before joining the company in 2018, Stone spent 18 years at Graybar.
Eric Gowin
Founder and CEO, Contegra Construction
With nearly 30 years of construction industry experience, Gowin manages the employee-owned company, which works on industrial, warehouse, and storage projects, as well as retail sites and residential developments. Gowin also serves on the Edwardsville Economic Advisory Board and the Lewis & Clark College Foundation Board.
Jerry Shaw
President and Co-Founder, SAK Construction
In 2006, Shaw, Bob Affholder, and Tom Kalishman founded SAK Construction, which specializes in pipeline rehabilitation and tunneling. Today, the company is recognized as one of the nation’s most respected pipeline rehabilitation industry contractors. Shaw has more than 40 years of experience in the industry.
Michael Kennedy Jr.
CEO, The UP Companies/KAI Enterprises
Between his work with The UP Companies and KAI Enterprises, Kennedy has demonstrated that he knows the recipe for success. He helped grow KAI’s revenue from $8 million in his first year to more than $55 million while expanding into markets such as Dallas–Forth Worth, Atlanta, and Kansas City. After founding The UP Companies in 2011, Kennedy boosted that firm’s revenue from $3.7 million in its first year to more than $70 million.
ENGINEERING FIRMS
Breck Washam
Senior Vice President and General Manager–Midwest Region, Burns & McDonnell
Since starting with the firm in 1990, Washam has become one of the most respected minds in his field. Last year, he was elected vice president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Washam has led the St. Louis office since 2007, and he’s dedicated to several local philanthropic efforts. He serves as the annual Heart Walk chairperson for the American Heart Association of Greater St. Louis and on the board of directors for Youth in Need.
Jim Kappeler
Senior Client Executive, IMEG Corp.
Kappeler landed a job at IMEG after graduating from Iowa State University in 2000, and he’s been there ever since. He has climbed the ranks from mechanical engineer to project executive to his current role leading a team focused on education, government, and corporate markets. Kappeler’s background includes experience with an array of mechanical systems, including heating, air conditioning, hot- and cold-water distribution, heat recovery, controls, plumbing, and fire protection.
Petko Vlaytchev
President, PENTA Engineering
Thirty years of service to PENTA has meant so much to Vlaytchev, who met his wife, Ellen, when she was a project manager at the company. His appointment as president followed a successful run as vice president, during which he led engineering operations, assisted PENTA India’s engineering team, and introduced new engineering technologies to the company. Vlaytchev earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in structural engineering from the Higher Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is fluent in English, Bulgarian, and Russian.
Michael McCarty
Division Vice President, Jacobs
With more than 20 years of experience in water and wastewater systems, McCarty brings a disciplined approach to his work. Throughout his career, he has managed planning, design, and project execution for municipalities, petrochemical companies, power facilities, and water districts. McCarty’s expertise in computer modeling, meanwhile, has helped shape master plans and capital improvement programs, and guide them to the finish line. McCarty graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in civil engineering.
Scott Smith
Missouri State Director and Principal, Lochmueller Group
Smith leads a team of engineers, planners, acquisition specialists, marketing specialists, and scientists in offices in Missouri and Kansas. In his role, Smith is also tasked with overseeing the performance of operations, profitability, management, structure, and strategy. The St. Louis team recently moved its office from downtown to a new buildout at City Foundry STL. Smith received his bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska, and he has a master’s of public administration degree from Saint Louis University.
Steve Donahue
President, Horner & Shifrin
Founded in St. Louis in 1933, Horner & Shifrin has a track record of improving infrastructure throughout the Midwest. When he was named president in 2016, Donahue became the seventh—and youngest—leader in the firm’s history. Donahue’s experience in project management earned him honors for work completed for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He also serves on the executive committee of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. Beyond his work, Donahue enjoys duck hunting and playing golf.
HOSPITALITY
Dan Mercurio
CEO and Partner, HMA Hotels
Mercurio represents yet another success story for front-desk staff. The hospitality professional began his hotel career as a guest service agent at the Holiday Inn Viking in Sunset Hills, a hotel he eventually bought after working his way up the ladder. In 1999, Mercurio launched a new venture, Hospitality Management Associates (HMA), to offer stellar services to major brands such as IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and more. The result: a series of award-winning properties that customers keep coming back to.
David Robert
Co-founder and CEO, Midas Hospitality
From busboy to CEO, Robert has seen it all during his 40 years in the hospitality industry. Today, after nearly two decades with Midas, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of 40 hotels across 14 states, including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG properties. He also serves as vice chair and commissioner for Explore St. Louis.
Patrick J. Lowery
Principal and Co-founder, Lennox Capital Partners
In 2016, Lowery co-founded Lennox Capital Partners as part of a strategic restructuring of Maritz Wolff & Co., his previous employer, to assume responsibility for several properties in the region, including the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. Now, with Lowery as principal, Lennox Capital Partners offers a suite of services to revitalize underperforming hotels and resorts, and invests in development opportunities throughout the region. He’s overseen more than $1.5 billion in investments throughout his career.
Chuck Drury
President and CEO, Drury Hotels
For more than 50 years, Drury Hotels has stood as a testament to the power of a good night’s sleep for a fair price. Drury’s father and brothers built that promise over several decades, and it’s one he plans to keep for years to come. As president and CEO, Drury has expanded the company’s footprint to 150-plus hotels across 26 states—all while maintaining a consistency that people love and appreciate on the road.
Amy and Amrit Gill
President and CEO, Innkeeper Hospitality Services
The Gills have worked together on every development project since 1990, including after the establishment of IHS in 2004. Amy oversees construction, architecture, and design details for Innkeeper, while Amrit leads the company in its ongoing renewal and development efforts. Their work at IHS has led to six renovated hotel properties, 10 restaurants and bars, and numerous residential properties in St. Louis and Davenport, Iowa.
Bob O’Loughlin
Chairman and CEO, Lodging Hospitality Management
O’Loughlin is one of the best-known, most reputable names in the local hospitality industry. Since 1967, he’s worked in one professional capacity or another in cities such as San Francisco, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. O’Loughlin founded LHM in 1986 and has managed more than 50 hotels. He has helped develop five ground-up hotels and established LHM as one of the premier management companies for Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, and Holiday Inn. Alongside his son, LHM president and chief operating officer Steve O’Loughlin, he has brought new life to some of St. Louis’ most iconic destinations, including Union Station, the Cheshire Inn, and Westport Plaza.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Jim Brennan
President, McKelvey Homes
Founded in 1898, McKelvey Homes is Missouri’s oldest residential builder, offering homes throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. Brennan bought the company in 2001 and, as president, he’s grown McKelvey Homes by identifying top locations to build on and adhering to an unwavering focus on quality construction. Known for its philanthropic efforts, McKelvey also makes a donation to a local charity for each home sold.
Jake Eilermann
CEO, McBride Homes
Eilermann is leading Missouri’s largest homebuilder into the future. After joining McBride in 2016 as manager of architecture and later serving as president, he was instrumental in the design and execution of McBride’s new Chesterfield headquarters and Design Studio. In October 2023, he took the helm as CEO, succeeding his father, John Eilermann. Today, Eilermann leads a team of more than 150 people, with more than 40 communities across the St. Louis area and 1,000-plus closings last year.
Mike Van Pamel
President, Lombardo Homes
In 2011, Lombardo Homes entered the St. Louis market under the leadership of Van Pamel, who has almost 40 years of experience working with national builders. Lombardo Homes builds approximately 160 homes per year in the St. Louis metro area and around Columbia, Missouri. Last year, the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri awarded its work at Cottleville Trails.
Kenneth Stricker
President and CEO, Consort Homes
As president of Consort Homes since 2005, Stricker leads a team that emphasizes environmentally responsible and energy efficient home design and construction. Stricker and his team build around 80 to 110 homes each year in St. Charles, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties. The Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri also recently recognized its work at Windswept Farms in Jefferson County.
Kevin Roy
Market President, Fischer Homes
In 2021, Fischer Homes expanded its footprint to St. Louis after the acquisition of homebuilder Payne Family Homes, where Roy served as vice president of sales and chief financial officer. Now the market president for Fischer Homes in the St. Louis region, Roy is recognized for strong financial expertise and strategic leadership. A graduate of St. Louis University High School, Roy holds a master’s degree in accounting from Mizzou.
John Fischer
President and CEO, Fischer + Frichtel Homes
At age 14, Fischer started working in the family business, which was founded in 1945 by his father, John; uncle Ed Fischer; and their brother-in-law, Lawrence “Bud” Frichtel. Fischer worked his way from the field to the presidency and has led Fischer + Frichtel Homes since 1984. His corporate philosophy: “There is no shortcut to quality.” It’s a message that resonates with the company’s 20,000 clients across the St. Charles and St. Louis metro areas.
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
Gerry Schuetzenhofer
Owner and Broker, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors
Schuetzenhofer’s firm was formed more than 30 years ago, when he bought D.W. Brown Realtors, with 60 agents and four area offices. It has since grown to seven sales offices and more than 200 agents. Schuetzenhofer serves the Metro East in both commercial and residential real estate transactions. His firm has been the largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the Metro East for more than 15 consecutive years and ranks in the top 5 percent of Coldwell Banker companies in the nation.
Maryann Vitale Alles
President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties
In 2002, Vitale Alles co-founded Prudential Select Properties. She became president and CEO in 2013 and led her team through the rebranding to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties. In 2024, St. Louis REALTORS recognized Vitale Alles with the Life Membership achievement.
Operating Partner, Keller Williams
Brosseau went from an NHL prospect to leading some of St. Louis’ top brokerages. Today, he is operating partner for Keller Williams St. Louis, Keller Williams Chesterfield, and Keller Williams West in O’Fallon, Missouri, which collectively sold more than $2 billion of volume in 2024. With two decades of industry experience, Brosseau speaks to the benefits of his firm’s recent acquisition of the Chesterfield and O’Fallon brokerages—an acquisition that grew the organization to more than 1,100 agents. “Our ability to scale and grow our services and the value we are able to create for our agents and consumers excites me,” he says.
Andy Dielmann
Owner and President, Dielmann Sotheby’s
It was Dielmann’s father, Harold, who initially encouraged him to go into real estate and start his own company. Dielmann heeded his father’s advice, and after graduating from the University of Missouri, he earned his salesman and brokerage licenses. In August 1976, he incorporated Andrew W. Dielmann & Co., and in 2005, Dielmann founded Dielmann Sotheby’s, which has grown into one of the area’s top real estate brokerages.
Carole McCabe
Regional Vice President, Coldwell Banker Realty–Gundaker
McCabe brings more than 20 years of experience to her senior leadership role at Coldwell Banker Realty–Gundaker. The St. Louis native, who attended Visitation Academy, became regional vice president in 2022, following Jim Dohr’s retirement. The residential real estate services firm serves more than 200 communities across St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles, Jefferson, Warren, and Lincoln counties and most of east central Missouri.
Janet Horlacher
President and Owner, Janet McAfee Real Estate
Horlacher is the second-generation owner of the real estate firm, which was founded in 1975 with five agents. It’s now the largest luxury real estate broker in St. Louis, with more than 90 active professional agents and a strong presence in St. Louis’ central corridor.
Jill Butler
CEO and Owner, RedKey Realty Leaders St. Louis
Since Butler founded RedKey Realty Leaders St. Louis in 2012, the company has continued to grow. In 2015, RedKey opened a location in West County, making the firm one of the largest independent real estate companies in the metro area. Recently, RedKey merged with Circa Properties.
Johanna “Jo” Dueren
Managing Partner and Realtor, Circa
Dueren takes a hands-on approach to leading her team at Circa, which recently merged with RedKey Realty Leaders. “I believe you can’t lead from the sidelines, and you can’t understand your team’s needs unless you are in constant and consistent dialogue with them,” she says. “I try to minimize drama, maximize buy-in, and make sure everyone knows they are not only a key part of our team but also a valuable and valued person.”
Kathy Beilein
President and General Manager, Laura McCarthy
Beilein’s Clayton-based office uses technological advancements to help guide clients and customer service. “Because there are differences in how clients want to consume information, we have a digital component for all of our offerings,” Beilein explains. “With the recent industry changes and oversight that have more of an impact on our buyers, we have developed a rich, detailed primer for the market that includes a detailed overview of our role and ways to navigate the mortgage component, along with the appropriate forms for their review.”
Norman Polsky
Broker and Owner, Coldwell Banker Premier
In 1986, Coldwell Banker Premier opened a residential division, with Polsky as the broker. The company has since grown to more than 180 full-time residential agents under Polsky’s leadership. He brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 40 years’ experience in the industry.
Matt Johnson
CEO, Worth Clark
Johnson’s firm has experienced record growth over the past few years, despite the decline of nationwide home sales overall. “While it’s been fun to see some of our innovations and best practices pay off, the most gratifying aspect of our growth is that we’ve remained true to our brand,” Johnson says. “We’ve steadfastly avoided the gimmicks that creep into a market when things get tough. We remain 100 percent focused on delivering authentic, high-value service and building a community of entrepreneurial real estate pros who want to be great at helping clients buy and sell a home.”
Sandy Hancock
Owner and Broker, RE/MAX Results
Hancock brings more than 30 years of experience to her current role. Her company spans more than 200 agents and 20 support staff across seven offices, and together, they sell $800 million in residential and commercial properties annually. Hancock specializes in multifamily properties in the Ballwin, St. Louis, Kirkwood, Arnold, and Crestwood areas. When not working, Hancock enjoys biking and boating.
Stafford Manion
President and Owner, Gladys Manion
In 1936, Manion’s grandmother founded the firm, which is known for its exclusive real estate properties and knowledge of the luxury market, as well as for providing clients with personalized, unparalleled service. Specializing in luxury real estate, Manion has more than 45 years of experience.
Kevin Goffstein
President and Broker, Berkshire Hathaway Alliance
Goffstein has been active in real estate and development since 1996. He is currently the president of Berkshire Hathaway Alliance Real Estate & Alliance Title Group, companies that are a part of Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary HomeServices of America, the largest real estate brokerage, mortgage, title, and insurance company in the United States. Goffstein began his career in residential development, working in St. Louis County and Vail, Colorado, before returning to St. Louis to grow his real estate brokerage business.
Susan Holden
Owner and Broker, RE/MAX Preferred
Susan Holden works alongside her son, Dave Holden, and consistently ranks among the top agents in the Mascoutah, Troy, Swansea, and Shiloh areas. Holden is also active in the area chamber, her local YMCA, and the Children’s Miracle Network. When not working, she enjoys watching sports and spending time with her dogs.
Todd Matoushek
Chief Operating Officer and Broker, Realty Executives
As a second-generation real estate broker, Matoushek brings more than 20 years of experience to his role at Realty Executives, where he trains and mentors new brokers. He specializes in residential and commercial sales and marketing. A father of four, Matoushek loves sports, coaching his kids’ soccer teams, and is a devout foodie.
Tammy Anderson-Owens
Owner and Managing Broker, RE/MAX Alliance
Anderson-Owens and her team use high-tech and high-touch methods to navigate a real estate industry that’s becoming more sophisticated and challenging. Along with her partner, Rick Owens, she brings more than 27 years of experience to the field. The duo specializes in buying and selling properties in Edwardsville, Troy, and Swansea. In her spare time, Anderson-Owens loves singing, boating, bowling, and running.
Amanda Alejandro
President and Owner, Realty Shop
Alejandro’s mission when she founded Realty Shop in 2018 was to “redefine, restyle, and reimagine the real estate landscape.” She has achieved that goal by equipping agents with the resources, training, and mentorship needed to help maximize their success. Alejandro brings more than 18 years of experience to the Creve Coeur–based company.
UNION LEADERS
Electrical Workers IBEW
St. Louis is where the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers began in 1891—and its members’ handiwork dazzled at the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, the IBEW represents electrical workers of all kinds, from wiremen to sign erectors, plus those in fields such as nursing and broadcasting. In St. Louis, Frank Jacobs serves as business manager of Local 1, while Steve Hughart is business manager of rural Illinois–based Local 702.
Operating Engineers IUOE
The IUOE was founded in 1896 and primarily represents workers in the construction trades. The union boasts three local shops in the metro region, with business managers for each: In South City (Dave Bahr with Local 148), Bridgeton (Brian Graff with Local 513), and Granite City (Mark Johnson with Local 520). Always looking toward the future, the union hosts barbecue events where children can ride in heavy construction equipment and students can learn about apprenticeship opportunities in the building industry.
Teamsters Local Union 688
With president Larry Sprinkle at the helm, the local Teamsters shop represents 6,000 workers, from delivery drivers to warehouse employees to people working in pharmaceuticals. Never shy to flex political muscle, the union backed Wesley Bell last year, went on strike at Graybar, and even bucked its national counterpart (which chose not to endorse any presidential candidate) by backing Kamala Harris.
United Food & Commercial Workers Local 655
The UFCW, led by president David Cook, is perhaps best known for representing Schnucks employees, though its members also work in manufacturing, distribution centers, and even the hair care industry. The union is well-positioned to become a player in the burgeoning cannabis retail industry as well.
