Bob Brinkmann, founder and chairman of Brinkmann Constructors, is stepping down from the Chesterfield, Missouri-based company where he worked for 40 years to have more time to enjoy farming and travel, according to a news release from the firm.
“I’m ready to spend precious time with my wife, Kim, on our farm and traveling together,” said Brinkmann, who recently turned 75, in the release. “I’m grateful that the Brinkmann team is exceptionally well-prepared to continue delivering outstanding results to clients and developing repeat relationships.”
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Brinkmann has been working since 2013 to transition company ownership and leadership to ensure a seamless exit, per the release. CEO Brian Satterthwaite and president Tom Oberle, who joined Brinkmann in 1994 and 1993, respectively, continue to lead the company’s 450 employee-owners.
The firm is active nationally and locally in the industrial, multifamily and student housing, senior living, mixed-use and hospitality sectors. In the past four decades it has completed more than 1,500 projects in 38 states, representing $10 billion in construction, according to the release.
“Bob has built an incredible legacy and a platform on which Brinkmann Constructors can continue to achieve steady growth,” said Satterthwaite. “Our entire team is forever grateful to Bob for his visionary leadership and his generosity in transitioning Brinkmann Constructors to an employee-owned company.”
Oberle highlighted Brinkmann’s commitment to invest in team members’ growth.
“Bob’s constant emphasis on training and developing our young engineers is now woven into the career path of every team member. He always recognized that we drive success and accomplishment for our clients through the capabilities of our people,” Oberle said.
Brinkmann will remain active in various community initiatives, per the release. As a member of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, he played a key role in gaining legislative approval of a $2.8 billion program to reconstruct about 200 miles of I-70. He is also currently engaged with the St. Louis Police Foundation.