Hometown Business Profiles - January 2015 WKT

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2015

Hometown Business Profiles . . 1B-8B
Art Show/Competition . . . . . . . . . . 9B
Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9B
The Reel World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10B
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10B-13B
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13B-16B

“Willa’s Journey Home” Benefits Shalom House
Book helps children
understand the issue
of homelessness
by Linda Jarrett

In this world where homelessness
is a universal problem, a little bird
named “Willa” is teaching children
about compassion, empathy and diversity.
“Willa’s Journey Home” is the collaboration of St. Louis author and Shalom House Executive Assistant Danette Thompson of Affton and mixed
media artist Jane Miles of Webster
Groves.
The book tells the story of Willa, a
little bird who does not have a place
of her own. She does not know how to
build a nest or how to fly. She wanders
around until she finds this special tree,
and the birds teach her the things she
needs to know. At the end of the book
she learns to fly, builds her own nest,
and finds a home.
Shalom House
Proceeds from “Willa’s Journey
Home” will help support Shalom

Danette Thompson of Affton, left, and Jane Miles of Webster Groves collaborated
on the book “Willa’s Journey Home.” Proceeds benefit Shalom House, a not-forprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless women.
photo by Diana Linsley
House, a not-for-profit organization
founded in 1968 by the United Methodist Church Conference to do mission
work in the community. The organization works with homeless women to

Evelyn Lageman, manager, and owner Vernon Poenitske

Poenitske Flooring & Remodeling With
Its Adjoining Amish Country Store

specifications, signed by the skilled
Poenitske Flooring & Remodeling is
craftsman and carries a lifetime warranty.
celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The remodeling side of the business
Vernon Poenitske opened the business in
handles
room
additions,
lighting
January 1975, offering home remodeling
and construction of Amish-made cabinets,
installations,
kitchens,
bathrooms,
vanities and furniture. The accompanying
siding, windows, doors, floor coverings
Amish Country Store gift shop offers
and decks. Poenitske’s custom-made
unique home décor products.
kitchen cabinetry is topped by quartz,
The shop delivers Amish-built
marble, granite or Formica countertops.
furniture, kitchen cabinets and bath
The company’s flooring options include
vanities that are beautiful in style and
Mohawk carpeting, solid wood flooring
quality. “We have a talented group of
and ceramic and laminate tile.
carpenters that customers request over
Poenitske’s staff includes office and
and over,” said president and owner
store manager Evelyn Lageman, design
Vernon Poenitske.
and sales consultant Lori, and carpenters
Poenitske left the printing business to
Ed, Steve and Travis. The staff is fully
start his own shop, first in South County.
insured.
After moving to his third and current
“Although this is costly, we feel it’s
location, he later added the shop to sell
important to our customers when you
solid-wood Amish furniture and other
choose our shop to remodel your home,”
home décor items. The
Poenitske said.
furniture is designed
Amish Country Store
by Simply Amish and
has been a member of
hand built by family-run
the Better Business
Amish workshops in the
Bureau since 1988 and
Midwest. Each piece
has an A-plus rating.
POENITSKE REMODELING
is built to customer

ountry Store
Amish C

7850 Watson Rd. • St. Louis • 968-8900
www.amishfurniturestl.com

help them rebuild their lives.
“At one point, the city said we needed a shelter for women and they started a program for women, committed
to restoring the lives of these women,”

said Betsy Reznicek, Shalom House
development director. “Our staff comprises highly trained psychiatrists and
counselors.
“The name Shalom House was chosen because the word ‘Shalom’ means
peace, completeness, prosperity and
welfare,” she said.
Housed in an old Methodist church
built in 1904, Shalom House serves
200 to 300 women a year.
The staff of Shalom House came up
with the idea for Willa’s story when
asked to read a book about homelessness to a group of younger children.
Reznicek said Shalom House was
invited to speak about homelessness to
youth groups at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in South County.
“We looked for a book as a way to
talk about this to young people, But
we couldn’t find one,” she said. “But we
went ahead and spoke to them.
“Since we couldn’t find anything
appropriate, we wrote one ourselves”
she said. “Danette was already a published author and she wrote it in 15
minutes.”
“It kind of mirrors the stories of
women who come here and have been
cont. p. 9B

From left: John Sauter, Mary Louise Sauter and Rachel Sauter.

Leopard Boutique: Trendy Tops, Dresses,
American-Made Basics & More

When Rachel and John Sauter opened
Leopard Boutique in 2012, it was Rachel’s
dream. But her husband, fresh out of law
school, found he’s enjoying the business
as well. They take buying trips together
and make decisions as a team, it’s a family
operation. Meanwhile, they’ve also had a
child and John Sauter has started a law firm
located at 3415 Hampton, specializing in
estate planning, family law and probate.
Leopard Boutique offers trendy tops
and dresses, premium denim goods and
American-made basics, all handled by a
helpful, caring staff. The shop also carries
Tokyo Milk scents and accessories including
costume jewelry and handmade personalized
necklaces.
Thanks to the growth of a loyal customer
base, the shop requires more
merchandise than it did at first.
The increase led Rachel Sauter
to change her buying methods
slightly. “I’m constantly listening
to what customers want and need
and try to accommodate what
they’re looking for,” she said.

Her policy of keeping no more than 12
pieces of any particular style in stock allows
for rapid turnover and the need to restock
constantly. “Customers can expect to find
new merchandise at least once or twice a
week.”
Sauter loves “seeing customers find a
place they cherish and building relations
with the local community,” she said.
“We’re just another couple getting started
as a family, and I love connecting with my
customers, many of whom I can now call
friends.”
Customers tell Sauter that they like
the shop’s variety and the fact that it’s not
overloaded with inventory. “You don’t
feel like you need to dig through a bunch
of duds to find a gem,” she says. And of
course, customers appreciate the
affordable unboutique-like prices.
Leopard Boutique will be
a host to Old Webster Trade
Association’s Girls Night Out
Feb. 12, featuring complimentary
drinks, a treat and a gift with
purchase.

20 Allen Ave. Ste. 100 • Webster Groves • 314-961-3220
www.leopardboutique.com

2-B

Webster-Kirkwood Times

January 30 - February 5, 2015

From left: Dr. Joseph T. Lane and wife Cindy Lane; daughter Lauren; son Mike and daughter-inlaw Lauren Lane.

Back & Neck Care Center Celebrates
31 Years In Webster Groves
“At the suggestion of my uncle, Mr. Gus
Chamber of Commerce for his Community
Lamar, former resident and teacher at
Service. He received his degree from Logan
Webster Groves High School, we started
College of Chiropractic and upon gradua­
our practice in Webster Groves. We have
tion, was given one of two Clinic Achieve­
now served the community for the last 31
ment Awards for his expertise in the field.
years in the same location, making us the
Dr. Lane would like to acknowledge his
oldest established chiropractic practice in
patients who participated in the annual
the area,” said Dr. Joseph Lane, owner of
“Coats for Kids,” “Adopt­a­Family” and
the Back & Neck Care Center of Webster
“Fan Fare” campaigns throughout the past
Groves. “My father, brother, and I built this
year. “Through their kind donations and
business from the ground up,” said Dr.
generosity we have helped the children and
Lane.
families in the Webster Groves area and
Dr. Lane is a licensed chiropractic phy­
Webster­Rock Hill Ministries, administered
sician and a certified acupuncturist. He was
by Ed Johnson.”
awarded the prestigious honor of
In the operation of his practice, Dr. Lane
Chiropractor of the Year in the State of
relies on the expertise of his assistant, Terri.
Missouri in 1995 and again in 2013. The
With over 20 years of experience, she han­
only chiropractor in the state of MO to be
dles insurance billing, medical records, and
awarded twice. Previously, Dr. Lane
some advertising and marketing tasks. He
received the Philanthropic Businessman of
also counts on Lisa to manage the schedule
the Year award,
and Katy to assist
and in 2005, the
with x­rays and
O u t s t a n d i n g _________________________________________ therapy modali­
C
E
N
T
E
R
Business award, _________________________________________
ties.
both from the
_____
_____

Back & Neck Care
of Webster Groves

604 E. Lockwood • Webster Groves • 314-968-4696
www.backandneckcarecenter.ws

Amie Riggs Swarts & Bill Riggs, co-owners.

Riggs Construction & Design:
Living Out A Legacy

“When my grandfather started this
business in 1959, I don’t think he realized
that he was building our family’s future, or
what the business would look like 55 years
later,” said Amie Riggs Swarts, co-owner of
Kirkwood’s Riggs Construction & Design.
“We’re living out his legacy today, and I
really wish he were here to see it.”
That legacy is something that Amie and
her brother Bill, now the third-generation
owners of Riggs Construction, are proud to
continue in their grandfather’s name – in their
business and in the community.
In business, it’s driven them to the highest
values of uncompromising quality, and doing
what it takes to serve clients.
“We approach each project as if we’re
working on our own home, which really
puts everyone on the team in a place of
wanting to do what’s best for the client and
execute the job with unparalleled
excellence,” said Amie. “Our
goal is for them to be proud to
say ‘I live in a Riggs home!’”
Doing just that has led them
to receive many accolades,

the most recent of which was a 2014
Better Business Bureau TORCH Award
for the company’s high ethical standards
and outstanding service. The Riggs team
attributes this to the firm’s record of zero
complaints, and the trust of both homeowners
and the community.
In the community, Riggs is ever-present
in the various activities, and is there to
support community initiatives. The company
has served as a sponsor for both the Fourth
of July and Winter Fireworks displays in
Kirkwood for several years, has participated
in the Greentree Parade, and has served local
institutions such as the Kirkwood Library and
Farmers Market.
“The community has given us so much,
and we are committed to giving back in order
to continue old traditions and start new ones
so that future generations of the Riggs family
– and all families – can enjoy all
that this great area has to offer,”
said Amie.
To learn more, contact Amie
Riggs Swarts at 821-7646 or
visit riggsconstruction.com.

212 North Clay Ave. • Kirkwood • 821-7646
www.riggsconstruction.com

From left: Jeanne Humphrey, Ellie Puricelli, Jill Oge, Cindy Schaffer, Shyllie Morgan, Dr. Joe Grimaud,
Anna Proctor, Jane Torretta

Jill Butler and Anne Dunajcik.

Anne Dunajcik: RedKey’s Top Realtor
Anne Dunajcik is attracted to energy and
positivity. It is what fuels her personally and
professionally. So, when energetic, positive
and passionate realtor Jill Butler decided to
start RedKey Realty Leaders St. Louis in
2012, Dunajcik knew she wanted to be a
part of it.
“I was partially responsible for
mentoring Jill in our previous place of
employment where I witnessed her positive
can-do attitude and leadership skills,” said
Dunajcik. “There’s a game called ‘Follow
the Leader’ … I’ll follow a great, talented
and energetic leader anytime!”
Dunajcik stays at RedKey because she
feels supported. RedKey’s office is hightech, high-touch and high-energy. Staff goes
above and beyond to support agents so that
they, in turn, can better serve clients.
“There’s an empowering energy at
RedKey
because
they appreciate and
encourage agents to
think outside of the box
and go the extra mile for

clients,” said Dunajcik.
Positivity-infused weekly team meetings,
celebrations of each other’s successes, and
a focus on client relationships sets RedKey
apart – and has set them on a course for
strategic and unprecedented growth.
Named a top-25 real estate agency by
The St. Louis Business Journal, RedKey is
ranked No. 19 out of thousands of St. Louis
real estate agencies in sales volume.
Dunajcik has contributed greatly to that
success. As the agency’s top realtor, she
shares that, even though she’s been in the
top 1 percent of St. Louis Realtors for the
majority of her career, she has had her best
two years since joining RedKey. A statistic,
she said, that is not coincidental.
“We are operating in a relational versus
a transactional economy,” said Jill Butler,
RedKey’s CEO. “That’s why providing
top-shelf service and
creating an authentic
corporate culture that
attracts
clients
and
agents who care is so

Where leadership is inspired and agents are empowered.

10333 Clayton Road • St. Louis • 692-7200
www.redkeystlouis.com

Watson Pointe Dental, Founded in 1911,
Offers Old-Time Service, Latest Technology

The year 2015 marks the 104th year
in practice for Watson Pointe Dental. Dr.
Joseph S. Grimaud continues the family
tradition started in 1911 by his grandfather,
Dr. Vincent Grimaud. Dr. Joe’s father, Dr.
James C. Grimaud, joined the practice in
1938 and retired in 1988 after 50 years
of dentistry. Dr. Joe joined the practice in
1985. He is pleased to have four family
members (plus three honorary members)
working in his office.
Much has changed in dentistry over
the past 104 years, and “technology has
made dentistry much easier and more
comfortable for patients,” said Dr. Joseph
Grimaud.
Watson Pointe uses such technologies
as digital X-rays, intra-oral cameras, singlevisit, all-porcelain restorations and crowns
and laser gum surgery. Most recently
Watson Pointe has been using Oral ID, the
latest in fluorescent oral cancer detection.
“At my first visit to
Watson Pointe Dental,
it had been years since
I had worked with a
dentist,” said patient

Sean M. “Dr. Joe and his staff were
incredible. I can tell Dr. Joe puts in a good
deal of time preparing for his clients’
comfort.”
Although new technology is an
important feature of the dental office, the
atmosphere remains comfortable in an oldtime, low-tech way. Patients are offered
comfortable pillows, cozy blankets and
warm, lemon-scented towelettes following
treatment.
And prevention is still a top priority.
The highly skilled dental hygienists
customize treatment and home care
instructions for each of their patients.
Dr. Grimaud takes his 21st-century
skills to Nepal each October. He treks in
the Himalayan Mountains with the Karma
Thalo Foundation to deliver dental care to
the Nepalese living in remote villages. Dr.
Grimaud encourages individuals to “like”
the Karma Thalo Foundation on Facebook.
Stop
by
Watson
Pointe Dental for a visit.
New patients are always
welcome.

8537 Watson Road • Webster Groves • 963-2000
www.mywatsonpointedental.com

January 30 - February 5, 2015

Webster-Kirkwood Times

From left: Phil Lindwedel, Tony Lindwedel (13), Sam Lindwedel (16), Anna Lindwedel (11) and
Antoinette Lindwedel.

Lindwedel Jewelers Continues Tradition
Of Excellence Under One Roof

Lindwedel Jewelers has combined
its jewelry store with Two Doors Down,
its fashion and accessory shop, into one
establishment dedicated to a tradition of
offering the best in fine jewelry and customer
service.
“We have seen a change in the economy
for the better,” said Antoinette Lindwedel,
who opened Lindwedel Jewelers in 2008
with her husband, Phil “Phil needed more
assistance at Lindwedel Jewelers, so we
decided to move Two Doors Down up two
doors - to put all under one roof.”
The combined shop offers fine jewelry,
custom design, repairs, watch batteries and fun
fashion accessories. The store has a stunning
selection of loose diamonds and other precious
gems. The Lindwedels often travel to jewelry
shows for “hot” new fashion merchandise,
which is now available in the store.
It’s a family affair for the Lindwedels.
Their sons Sam and Tony and daughter Anna
often pop in the store where craftsman Pat

Dickerson also can be found. The family is
proud of the reputation they’ve built within
the community and loves their customers.
With more than 80 years of combined
experience in all facets of the jewelry
industry, they enjoy helping match buyers
with the perfect piece of jewelry. For
something truly unique, the in-house
designers are always excited to design a
custom piece for a customer.
Lindwedel also offers superior jewelry
service including repairing, polishing,
reworking and appraising pieces brought in
by customers.
“We strive to make all customers satisfied
and want to tell their friends about how good
their experience was,” said Phil Lindwedel.
“Our customers become our friends. We
love being a part of the Webster Groves
community and the small-town feel Old
Webster gives. There’s nothing better than
people walking along Lockwood and just
stopping in to say hello.”

136 W. Lockwood Ave. • Webster Groves • 314-961-9610
www.lindwedeljewelers.com

Front Left to Right: Ryan Whittington, Kit Whittington, Alice Endy, Mark Petty, Rebecca Pavelka,
Diane Copithorne. Back Left to Right: Karen Twellmann, Shellita Jackson, Ted Ryan, Mark
Whittington, Wendi Bottoms.

Seniors Home Care:
Proud To Be Celebrating Its 28th Year!
More than 28 years ago, Kit Whittington
was the primary caregiver for her grandmother, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Whittington was the only family member
available to assist with her care. Because she
also worked full time, it grew increasingly
difficult both physically and emotionally. So
she hired an independent caregiver, but soon
discovered that her grandmother was not
receiving the level of care she deserved.
“At the end of the day, I checked on her
and to my disbelief, I discovered the caregiver had simply not shown up,” Whittington
said. “My grandmother had missed her doctor’s appointment and much-needed meals. It
was a debilitating moment; we were both in
tears.”
In 1987, Whittington started SHC to provide a family
support system for older
adults. SHC employs an
around-the-clock nursing staff
to assist clients and families in

achieving their unique needs.
Nurses and caregivers are screened,
bonded and insured employees (not contractors). All employees undergo drug testing, a
thorough background search and complete a
training program that includes basic nursing
skills, and physical therapy applications.
SHC offers flexibility of care ranging from a
30-minute QuickVisit™ to 24/7 care.
SHC has received an A+ rating, plus the
Torch Award, from the Better Business
Bureau.
“My own feelings of helplessness and a
desire for a higher quality of life for my
grandmother drove me to find a better way to
care for her. The motivation behind SHC is
my own personal experience
and I’ve built the company on
a solid foundation of 28 years
of consistent, compassionate
caring for all clients.” — Kit
Whittington, RN, BSN

Mid County 314-962-2666 • Clayton/Ladue 314-863-2667
South County 314-894-2666 • www.seniorshomecare.com

3-B

From left: Ellen Mazur, Lisa Davis and Carrie Dalton

Shop Sugar Magnolia For The Perfect
Bra & Specialty Lingerie

Sugar Magnolia Boutique, Webster
Groves’ specialty lingerie and bra shop,
features custom-fit bras and offers loungewear, intimates, bridal, burlesque and
maternity lingerie, as well as hosiery, jewelry, soaps and candles.
“I have always loved lingerie, but after
15 years of marriage and three children, I
didn’t even recognize my own body,” said
shop owner Lisa Davis.
Left frustrated by the lack of options
and the difficulty in locating a proper-fitting bra, Davis founded Sugar Magnolia in
February 2012. The goal was a unique
specialty shop that provides a personal
experience, as well as an array of sizes.
“We’re trying to fill the void between a
boring bra shop and a swanky adult store,”
Davis said.
Owner Davis, Carrie
Dalton and Ellen Mazur
make up Sugar Magnolia’s
team. While Davis has a
true passion for lingerie,
Dalton brings a fresh creative flair to the store and
Mazur has a real keen eye

for detail.
“We are changing the way women feel
about themselves, one bra at a time,”
Davis said.
Recent research showed that about 80
percent of women are wearing the wrong
bra size. An ill-fitting bra can cause neck,
back and shoulder pain.
“At Sugar Magnolia, you will be fitted
by one of our specialists and given the
knowledge to help you understand why a
great fitting bra is so important for every
woman – no matter her size,” Davis said,
Customers say they love the array of
bra sizes from cup sizes AA to N and band
sizes from 28 to 50. The shop also carries
lacy, silky, risqué and romantic styles, plus
special made-in-the-shop garters.
“Whether you’re seeking the perfect
gift, a custom special
order, space for a party, or
a basic everyday bra, you
can expect a comfortable,
highly personalized shopping experience at Sugar
Magnolia,” Davis said.

38 N. Gore Ave. • Webster Groves • 314-395-9159
www.sugar-magnolia.com

Brother and sister Devin & Alison Graham.

612 Kitchen & Cocktails: Thoughtfully
Prepared Dishes, Hand-Crafted Cocktails

Alison and Devin Graham’s parents ran
Graham’s Grill from 1996 to 2013, and the
siblings took over day-to-day operations in
July 2014, changing the name to 612 Kitchen
& Cocktails.
“We’re carrying on the family business
with a new modern design and menu,” said
Devin Graham. Chef Brian Gabelsberger
prepares American fare and smoked items to go
with the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
“We believe dining and drinking are
experiences that should be shared, cherished
and enjoyed,” Grahams said. “We’ll do
everything we can to make sure your stay with
us is an experience and not just a night out. We
focus on hand-crafted cocktails paired with
thoughtfully prepared dishes.”
The restaurant is designed with a 1920s
theme and the cocktail names reflect the theme.
The cocktails include Dutch Carmel Appletini,
the Purple Storm, Baby Face Pumpkintini,
Old-Fashioned Outlaw
and Bugsy’s Bourbon
Lemonade.
The varied menu
includes pulled pork,
veggie burgers, fish and

chips, Philly steaks and mussels.
Alison and Devin were born and raised in
Kirkwood, attended Kirkwood High School
and still reside in Kirkwood. The restaurant is
in the same location as Graham’s Grill, across
the street from old trolley loop.
Devin Graham gets the most work
satisfaction from “interacting with each guest
and learning about him or her and the family.
I also enjoy seeing the smiles on the customers’
faces after they just enjoyed our excellent food
and cocktails.”
Customers tell the Grahams that they love
the new look to the place and often tell them
how comfortable it is.
“Moreover, our customers rave about our
stuffed mushrooms and smoked meats,” Devin
Graham said.
612 Kitchen offers Sunday brunch and
features live music on Saturday nights. The
management offers occasional specials such as
fried chicken on Sundays,
Sangria Thursdays and
wine
dinners.
The
restaurant is currently
taking Valentine’s Day
reservations.

612 W. Woodbine Ave. • Kirkwood • 314-965-2003
www.612kitchenandcocktails.com

4-B

Webster-Kirkwood Times

January 30 - February 5, 2015

Back row, from left: Paul Schaefer, Moe, Jim, Mike, Jake, Jason, Nathan. Front row, from left: Debbie Schaefer,
Becky, Renee Muehlfeld, Greg Muehlfeld, Diane and Nora (the dog). Not pictured: Brad Schaefer.

Owner, Fred Bueler.

Bueler Inc.’s Commitment To Quality
Keeps Customers Coming Back

Since September 1984, Bueler Inc. has
been meeting the area’s home renovation
needs, giving the personal touch to residential
design build remodeling projects. The
company specializes in kitchens, bathrooms,
lower levels, room additions and total house
renovations.
“With a background in architecture, a
civil engineering degree and work experience
that hailed back to my Kirkwood High
School days, I started Bueler Inc. to build
a remodeling company that people could
trust and depend on year after year through
multiple projects and stages of life,” said
owner Fred L. Bueler Jr., who started the
business 30 years ago.
That plan has panned out, as more than
80 percent of the company’s business comes
from repeat customers or referrals.
Bueler Inc. has “provided us with
outstanding professional service on two
major home additions and
remodels,” said one 20-year
customer.
Loyal customers are a
reflection of the loyal and
dedicated team that helps

set Bueler Inc. apart in the local remodeling
marketplace. The company employs its own
highly skilled craftsmen, who have been with
Bueler for an average of 18 years. Office
Manager Kathie Eberle is celebrating her
27th anniversary with the company this year.
Bueler’s “exceptional design and
construction capabilities, its experienced,
professional and dedicated team, and a
delighted and loyal customer base have come
together to create” the company it is today,
Bueler said.
“Trends and styles change and technology
has helped us be more efficient, but our staff,
commitment to quality and consistently
repeating customers have remained constant,”
he said.
To keep up with trends, Bueler is a
certified aging-in-place specialist, as well
as certified kitchen designer and certified
graduate remodeler and is active in local
industry
professional
organizations. Bueler Inc.
has won numerous design
awards, including nine St.
Louis Homer Awards.

13314 Manchester Road • Des Peres • 966-3191
www.buelerinc.com

From left: Bill, Randy (General Manager), John, Myeshea and Chris (Owner).

Simple Moves Or Longer Ones, Simple
Moves Has Expanded Its Services

Simple Moves started out simple but
has expanded into a full-service local,
intrastate and interstate moving company.
But the company still helps customers
with those simple moves of just a few
items from house to house, room to room,
floor to floor.
Owner Chris Gianino founded the
company in October 2000 when he was
working in the moving industry. “I saw
an unmet need to help people who needed
to move just a few items without huge
hourly minimums or outrageous hidden
charges,” he said.
The company also offers a full line of
moving and packing supplies and provides
online or phone estimates using upto-date moving software. Simple Moves
celebrated its 14th anniversary in October
2014 by moving into a new corporate
headquarters near Lindbergh Boulevard
and Page Avenue.
Chris is a native
of Glendale and runs
the company with a
trusted staff and about

30 drivers and movers. The staff includes
General Manager Randy Lough, Office
Manager John Scognamiglio, Operations
Manager Bill Bechtold, Carnell Beckwith
in operations and Myeshea Cooks in
customer service.
Chris gets the most satisfaction from
his work “when an unexpected person
that I know comes to me and tells me
what a great experience they had with
Simple Moves, when I read the positive
reviews online, when I see the amount
of repeat business from our satisfied
customers and I am still able to be at
home every night with my wife, 7-yearold son and 6-year-old daughter.”
Simple Moves maintains an A+
rating with the Better Business Bureau.
The company has also received the
Angie’s List Super Service Award eight
out of the past nine years. Angie’s List
comments include: “Nice
to deal with,” “on time,”
“efficient, personable &
fantastic” and “perfect
in all aspects.”

10755 Page Ave. • St. Louis • 963-3416, (636)-916-5333
www.simplemoves.com

Kirkwood Plumbing Marks 30 Years
Of Quality Plumbing Repair

Kirkwood Plumbing reaches the Big 3-0
this year, marking 30 years of providing quality
plumbing repair, remodeling and 24-hour emergency service to residents of Kirkwood, Webster and the surrounding area. The business was
founded by owners Paul and Debbie Schaefer.
During the recession of the 1980s, Paul
Schaefer found himself out of work, with the
couple’s second child on the way. “I was mechanically inclined, so I started my own service company out of our home,” Schaefer said.
“Over the past 30 years, Kirkwood Plumbing
has seen its ups and downs, but thanks to our
hard-working staff and loyal customers, we
have seen our hometown business grow and
flourish.”
The company’s services include water
heater replacement, garbage disposals, fixture
installations, sump pumps, sewer lateral services and repair/replacement
of faucets and fixtures, all performed
by staff plumbers who are OSHAcertified and licensed with continued
education.

In 2014, two of the company’s plumbers, Mike and Jake, passed their journeyman
exams, and apprentice Greg Muehlfeld completed his required training at Ranken Technical College. Also in 2014, the Schaefers celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, their
son Brad’s graduation from Truman State University and their daughter Renee’s marriage to
Greg Muehlfeld.
This time of year, the staff is on call for
typical winter plumbing emergencies such as
frozen pipes and broken water heaters.
“They were here within a few hours when
our water heater stopped working on a Saturday. Great service,” said Judy Thomas, who
received emergency service from Kirkwood
Plumbing last winter.
Ray Sparrowe recently praised the company’s work in replacing his home’s outdated
water spigots and shut-off valves. “Top quality
work in all respects — no shortcuts and worth
every penny,” he said. “They don’t just fix —
they find the problem that requires a plumbing
fix and solve that, too.”

KIRKWOOD PLUMBING

248 Grand Avenue • Kirkwood • 966-4772
www.kirkwoodplumbing.com

From left: Bob Starr, Libby Blake, Barry Bornstein, Marcia Herrmann, Terri Johnson and Gary Lerner.

Show Me Blinds & Shutters:
“Small Business With Big Values”

Whether shopping for a single window
treatment, redecorating an entire house or
seeking the solution to a complex design
challenge, Show Me Blinds & Shutters in
Kirkwood, a gallery store for the HunterDouglas brand, can help.
Show Me Blinds has been offering sales
and installation on a wide range of window
treatments since 1996.
Veteran design consultants Marcia
Hermann and Libby Blake can help customers select from limitless combinations of
color, texture, fabrics and function during a
free home consultation.
Every order is custom
designed, measured and
made. Bob Starr performs
the installations.

Show Me Blinds was one of the first
Hunter Douglas Gallery® stores established
in the United States 10 years ago. All HunterDouglas products are made in the U.S.A.
The connection with the well-known
Hunter-Douglas brand gives the store the aura
of a “small business with big values.”
Customers love that Show Me Blinds is a
small family business in Kirkwood.
For the staff, the best aspect of their work
is seeing homeowners’ excitement after their
new window treatments have been installed.
We provide free in-home design consultation, quote, measuring and
installation.
Customer satisfaction
is an important part of
the business.

933 S. Kirkwood Road • Kirkwood • 314-909-1177
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.showmeblinds.com

January 30 - February 5, 2015

Webster-Kirkwood Times

From left: Cousins Bob and Gerhard Wanninger.

From left: Teresa Russo, Michele Russo, Phil Russo, Melissa Russo

G&W Meat & Bavarian Style Sausage:
A City Hidden Gem For 50 Years

After 50 years, the slogan still stands:
“You can’t beat G&W meat.” G&W Meat &
Bavarian Style Sausage Co. was founded in
1965 by German immigrant brothers Helmut
and Henry Wanninger and their partner Otto
Gummerscheimer. They used recipes from
the Wanninger family butcher shop in Regensburg, Germany.
The wholesale and retail sausage company has been providing “the best brats and
sausages in St. Louis” at the same location
since its founding.
The founders’ sons, cousins Bob and
Gerhard Wanninger, began working at the
shop in high school and took over the business from their dads in the early 1990s. The
cousins have grown the shop to include
other popular sausages such as Cajun andouille, chorizo and various flavors of landjager
sticks.
G&W has provided the
Grant’s Farm brats for more
than 40 years, and perhaps
not coincidentally, gives
away free Busch beer to
its own waiting customers.
G&W also makes the salsiccia and bratwurst that Gus’

5-B

Pretzels wraps up for their “bratzel sandwiches.” And they are now the official bratwurst of the new St. Louis FC soccer team.
G&W is still a family affair. Gerhard
Wanninger’s sister Monica has been a product line worker since 1998, and Bob Wanninger’s wife, Mel, joined the staff as marketing manager in 2009. The original owners’
grandchildren all have worked in the business, as their school schedules allow. “So we
have fourth-generation sausage meisters in
the making,” said Mel Wanninger.
G&W offers individual deer processing
for hunters, who get their own venison back.
“Hunters love this fact,” Mel Wanninger
said.
Customers praise the taste and quality of
G&W’s sausage and appreciate the fact that
G&W is a family-owned local business.
“I love spreading the word about our
hidden gem of a business,”
Wanninger
said.
“Even
though G&W turns 50 years
old this year, most of St.
Louis doesn’t know us. We
have so many more people
to share G&W with.”

4828 Parker Ave. • St. Louis • 352-5066
www.gwsausage.com

Lawn Care Equipment Co. Keeps Mom &
Pop Mentality Amid Rapid Growth

Lawn Care Equipment Co., owned by
Phil and Teresa Russo, is about more than
lawns. It’s about family, community and
overcoming obstacles.
Fresh out of high school in 1981, Phil
bought the business from Charles “Chic”
Thomson. Thomson was Phil’s biggest
mentor.
Under the Russos, Lawn Care Equipment has expanded rapidly.
“My way of honoring the man who
taught me everything I know in this business is to successfully expand the company with the principles he taught me,” said
Phil Russo.
The Russos moved the store to Brentwood in 1999 after outgrowing two previous locations. The original two-man operation has grown substantially in Brentwood
and a second location in De Soto was added in 2010 with over 33,000 square feet.
Lawn Care Equipment has also evolved
with the lawn and garden industry. Though the
Russos remember when
push mowers were popu-

lar, the business now sells and services
residential and commercial customers all
Stihl, Toro, Echo, Tananka, Exmark, Bad
Boy, Gravely, Ariens and Husqvarna outdoor power equipment including zero turn
mowers, back-pack blowers, chain saws,
hedge trimmers and the new lithium battery-operated equipment.
Coming spring 2015, the Brentwood
store will expand into another building.
“With the new additional service department building, we will have an expanded rental department as well, renting
equipment for both small and large jobs,”
said Phil.
“Though we have grown rapidly, my
wife and I have always strived to keep the
small mom and pop mentality,” said Phil.
“Our customers tell us they have enjoyed
watching our daughters, Michele and Melissa, grow behind the counters over the
years and they enjoy seeing them transition into
young adults now taking
on more and more of the
business each year.”

8605 Manchester Rd. • Brentwood • 314-961-5700
www.lawncareequipmentco.com

Pictured, from left: Seated - Pat Kelly, Dan Kary, Edie Rice, Amy O’Brien, Laurie Smith; Standing Chris Gagnon, Dave Uding, Kevin McClure, Jhun Mundin, Ted O’Toole, Kevin O’Brien & Bill Browne

From left: (front row) Lane Darby, Jeff Redington, Joe Grana, Bill Baumruk, Nick Dodge (front row)
Greg Thome, Mike Alivernia, Robert Menzel, Ricky Redington Jr., Elliot King, Richard Redington Sr.

Agape Construction: Designing & Building
Homeowners’ Dreams For 30 Years

J.E. Redington: Hometown Plumbers
for Residences New and Old

Agape Construction Company began 30 years
ago working out of the O’Brien family home
before moving to its current location at 435 E.
Clinton in Kirkwood. Since then, Agape has grown
into a premiere design and build firm.
Agape specializes in total renovations,
additions, kitchens, bathrooms, custom builtins, garages and new homes. No matter what the
clients’ stage of life, Agape can help them find
a comfortable and affordable solution. They are
passionate about making homeowners’ dreams
come true.
“We provide the perfect blend of architectural
design and technical expertise. Our seamless
design and build process saves our clients time and
money,” said Kevin O’Brien, owner of Agape and
a licensed engineer.
O’Brien works with a team of 25 talented
professionals that include his wife Amy, who
handles human resources
and marketing, as well as
his daughter, Molly.
Aw a r d - w i n n i n g
Architect Laurie Smith
and her team provide
exceptional
designs.
Once a contract is signed,

Interior Designer Edie Rice helps each client
through the selections process.
The production crew, headed up by
longtime employee Patrick Kelly, includes eight
journeyman carpenters and one master carpenter
who specializes in custom built-in bookshelves,
fireplace surrounds and banquette booths.
Recent clients, John and Karen Drexler,
hosted an open house for the Agape team
(pictured above in their new kitchen) to thank
them for a job well done.
“The Agape team was a pleasure to work
with and very trustworthy,” said the Drexlers.
“We have worked with them on numerous home
improvements and the end project always meets or
exceeds our expectations.”
That makes O’Brien happy because he
relishes, “a well-run job that’s on time, on budget,
with a happy, satisfied customer.” He continues,
“2014 was our best year
ever, thanks to great
clients in Kirkwood,
Webster, Glendale and
the surrounding areas.”
Call Agape now for
a complimentary design
consultation.

435 E. Clinton • Kirkwood • 314-909-9050
www.AgapeConstruction.com

Generations of satisfied customers can tell
you: a plumbing company doesn’t stay in
business for 85 years unless it’s doing quality
work.
J.E. Redington Plumbing Company was
founded in 1929 when Kirkwood was still
developing as a suburb, but the original owner’s grandsons say that the needs of its citizens
have remained the same.
“There have been changes in trends and
city codes and that keeps us busy. But our
quality standard has always been to only do
work and use products that we would want in
our own homes,” said Jeffrey Redington, who
co-owns the business with partner Richard
Redington.
Typically when the new housing market
slows down the remodel market increases, this
economic road bump is a bit different, and
repairs seem to be the direction many are taking. “We have prided ourselves on repair since
the day we opened in 1929. We have always
been repair specialists
and
repairing the
old homes in

Kirkwood and Webster since they were new
homes back in the day. For all your repair or
plumbing needs you can count on J.E.
Redington Plumbing “Your Hometown
Plumber Since 1929, ” said Jeffrey.
The experienced staff at J.E. Redington is
an important part of their success. Team members range from 10 to 30 years on the job with
the company, and letters from satisfied clients
confirm their exceptional work:
“We were very nervous when we were
told we had busted pipes and weren’t sure
who to hire to do the job. We are very happy
we chose your family. What a relief to know
the job was put in professional hands!” said
Tina S. of Sunset Hills.
Jeffrey said this kind of response is what
makes him grateful to carry on the legacy of
the family business.
“My favorite part of the job is hearing the
wonderful stories that customers share with
me about the services performed by my father,
Jack, or my
g r a n d f a t h e r,
J.E.,” he said.

J.E.
REDINGTON CO.
“Your Hometown Plumber Since 1929”

639 Leffingwell Ave. • Kirkwood • 965-3200

6-B

Webster-Kirkwood Times

January 30 - February 5, 2015

From left: Ann, K.C., Jessica, Debbie, Alima, Kati, Jill, Dr. Strohmeyer, Audrey, Sylvia, Oliver and Lucas.

Matthew F. Strohmeyer D.D.S. Provides
Caring Dentistry in Brentwood
The Family Dental Practice of Matthew F.
turned around thanks to you all. I have recomStrohmeyer D.D.S. has grown since its April
mended you to everyone I know and raved of the
2006 opening in Brentwood.
excellent care you provide. With sincere thanks
Dr. Strohmeyer offers comprehensive oral
and appreciation.”
health care, including cosmetic procedures and
Dr. Strohmeyer said he and his staff care so
patient education. He sees children of all ages,
much about their patients and provide them with
senior citizens and everyone in between.
the best care possible. “Whether it is a routine
“We are continually building on our solid
checkup, painful emergency or a cosmetic procefoundation established seven years ago,” Dr.
dure, all patients will leave feeling and looking
Strohmeyer said. “We are always striving to offer
better,” Strohmeyer continued.
the healthiest and highest quality dentistry. That
He also appreciates the referrals he gets from
means adding procedures, products and attention
his patients.
to detail that keep patients happy and healthy.”
“We would be honored to be your oral health
The staff includes office manager, Ann; regiscare providers,” said Dr. Strohmeyer. “Research
tered dental hygienists, K.C. and Kati; receptionis showing more and more how oral health can
ist, Debbie; and dental assistants, Jessica and
positively and negatively affect overall health. If
Alima. Dr. Strohmeyer’s wife, Jill, is the office
it has been awhile since you have seen a dentist,
bookkeeper.
we would be more than happy to schedule a comPatients like the office’s relaxed, friendly
prehensive oral examination and a proatmosphere, plus the personal attention, the high
fessional cleaning for you. We are curquality of dentistry, honesty and attention to
rently accepting new patients.”
detail. A new patient recently wrote:
Visit Matthew F. Strohmeyer D.D.S.
F. Strohmeyer, DDS, LLC
“I have had the best experience coming to Matthew
at www.strohmeyerdental.com.
your practice and wanted you all to know
Family Dental Practice
how important your friendliness, professionMatthew F. Strohmeyer, DDS, LLC
alism, and expertise is to me. Before I came
to see you, I hadn’t been to see the dentist in
Family Dental Practice
six years! I was so afraid due to previous
negative experiences, but it has all been

8764 Manchester, Ste. 200 • Brentwood • 314-968-2483
www.strohmeyerdental.com

From left: Tim Milford, Rita Milford, Amber Fouts, Rene Sondermann and Anna Brusselback.

The Milfords Have Helped Create
Beautiful Kitchens & Baths Since 1969

The Milford family has been helping
customers with kitchen and bath updates
since 1969. Tim Milford and his wife, Rita,
the second generation, now run Milford
Kitchen and Bath at its Fenton showroom.
Milford Kitchen and Bath is a showroom for homeowners, contractors and
their customers to purchase quality kitchen
and bath products. They offer bathroom
fixtures, kitchen and vanity cabinets and
countertops in various materials including
Onyx, quartz and granite.
“We have full-time kitchen and bath
designers helping customers with space
planning and product selection,” said
showroom manager Rita Milford.
Rita Milford grew up in a family plumbing business and managed
that retail shop for 10 years.
Designer Anna Brusselback,
who joined the Milford
showroom staff in 2003, has
excellent plumbing knowledge “and could probably
install any product we sell,”
Milford said. Designers
Rene Sondermann and

Amber Fouts work to incorporate style and
color along with their customers every day
needs to create the bath or kitchen that will
be enjoyed for years.
Tim Milford’s father, Tom, established
Milford Plumbing Supply Co. in 1969 in
North St Louis near Sportman’s Park. In
the 1970s, the company moved to South
County and added sons Tom Jr. and John.
Tim and his sister Donna came on board in
the 1980s. This family foundation allowed
them to add two new locations over the
years. Milford Supply now has branches in
South County, St. Charles and South City,
in addition to the Showroom location.
Rita Milford most enjoys “working
closely with customers and seeing a project
go from idea to reality.”
Customers often compliment the Milfords on their
customer service and refer
other customers to the store.
“Customers are pleased
that we work with their budgets and offer several price
options,” Milford said.

Milford Kitchen & Bath

936 Brookwood Center • Fenton • 636-717-0700

From left: Melissa Braun, Dave Cameron, Mike Mahn, Kayla Freeman and Bob Pennock.

Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations
Aspires To “Get It Right The First Time”

When we build, let us think that we build
forever… by John Ruskin
Mahn Custom Homes and Renovations’
philosophy begins with getting it right the
first time. To that end, the quote by John
Ruskin has inspired owner Mike Mahn in his
vision when working with clients. Mahn also
runs his business by the “Golden Rule” aspiring to treat clients as family.
“When you integrate the two mentalities
throughout the process, you are able to build
long-term and lasting relationships,” he said.
“I started my company to build, restore
and preserve the period-inspired features of
the homes in my community, as well as to
make sure they kept their classic old charm
and blended in with the existing neighborhood,” said Mahn. “This is critical to my vision as a builder.”
Staying on budget is important too, so
Mahn has a sophisticated online project program where clients and subcontractors can
view their budgets any time.
Mahn
tries
not to say “no” to
clients’ requests.
“As a result, we

have earned life long clients who refer us, or
use us for other areas of their home,” he said.
A referral is the highest compliment a client can give. Mahn Custom Homes delivers
personally selected gifts to clients who refer
Mahn’s services to new clients.
Clients like James and Susan Gerker appreciated the professionalism, communication
and effort that Mahn put into the construction
of their new home.
“We love seeing the happiness and joy
that our finished projects bring to the families,” Mahn said.
The company has grown since it began
in 1997. The staff now includes sister-in-law
Kim Rogers, project managers Melissa Braun
and David Cameron, field managers John
Link and Bob Pennock, and billing coordinator Kayla Freeman.
Mike Mahn was listed in Professional Remodeler magazine’s 2013 “40 Under 40,” and
Mahn Custom Homes won the 2012 Webster
Groves Award of Excellence for Historical
Preservation of a
Webster home.

135 Chester Ave. • Kirkwood • 966-0542
www.mahncustomhomes.com

From left: Bob Sullivan, Caroline French, Barbara Rocchio, Betsy Simpkins, Mike Ross, James Carlton.

James Carlton State Farm Aims To
Provide “Remarkable Customer Service”

Everyone’s heard the jingle: “Like a
good neighbor, State Farm is there.” The
James Carlton State Farm agency takes that
motto to heart through participation in the
Webster Groves community.
The Carlton Agency is a member of
the Webster Groves Rotary Club and the
Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Rock Hill
Chamber of Commerce. The agency
participates in the St. Louis County AdoptA-Family Program, which provides food,
clothing, gifts and other assistance to 3,400
needy families during the holidays. The staff
also takes part in the annual Old Webster
Jazz and Blues Festival and Air & Air.
James J. Carlton took over the agency
from retiring agent Bobbie Truetken in
2011. As a State Farm Agency, Carlton
offers auto, home, renter’s, life and business
insurance as well as banking products,
mutual funds and retirement products.
With the Affordable Care Act in full swing,
Carlton can help customers make sense of
the new health

insurance landscape and also offers health
savings accounts for high-deductible plans.
“We’re always looking for more effective ways of communicating with customers,” Carlton said. “Our focus is ‘being there’ for our customers. Whether it’s
in conventional ways or by text or video,
we’ll ‘be there’ in a convenient way.”
One of the best parts of being a good
neighbor is getting new customers referred
by current customers, Carlton said.
The agency even makes things easy on
neighbors by offering Saturday morning
office hours.
The agency’s mission is to provide
a remarkable customer experience in
offering insurance and financial products
from the leader in the industry. Carlton’s
team includes his cousin, Mike Ross, a
customer service representative, office
managers Caroline French and Barbara
Rocchio, and sales associates Betsy
Simpkins and Bob Sullivan.

34 N. Gore • Webster Groves • 314-961-4800
www.carltoninsurance.net

January 30 - February 5, 2015

Webster-Kirkwood Times

Located at Lindbergh and I55 (behind Denny’s).

From left: Dave Jockenhoefer, Pat Anello, Joe Thomason and Ken Majors.

Best Home Furnishings: Proud
To Be Made By Americans In America

Best Home Furnishings owner, Carl
Boyer, not only takes pride in his business,
he takes pride in his country.
Since 2007, Boyer has found that
his customers appreciate the fact that
Best products available at his store are
“American made by Americans in America.”
Best Home Furnishings has been
building furniture since 1962, selling
furniture made in Southern Indiana. The
family-owned company started as Best
Chairs and has now become the world’s
largest chair manufacturer.
The South County Showroom is located
just off Lindbergh Boulevard behind
Denny’s restaurant. It has been expanded
and now carries a complete leather gallery,
in addition to the hundreds of chairs, sofas
and recliners, office chairs, sectionals, home
theatre products that
Best offers. Best Home
Furnishings
furniture
is available in over 700
fabrics and leathers.
Customers can find the

perfect piece or complete room group in the
fabric or covering they choose.
Best products are made using hardwood
frames that are kiln dried and cut in Best’s
own lumber plant. Recliners, rocking and
gliding mechanisms are supplied by Leggett
and Platt, a Carthage, Mo., company.
Customers can select the perfect
furniture in their choice of covering and
have it in their home in three weeks or less.
“This is the only factory-direct store
anywhere in the world for the world’s
largest chair manufacturer,” Boyer said.
From the factory in Ferdinand, Ind.,
product is sent to 4,000 retailers in 38
countries and all 50 states. Here in St. Louis,
Best Home Furnishings factory-direct store
serves the entire St. Louis metro area and
many customers from out-state Missouri and
Illinois.
Boyer finds satisfaction
by “making St. Louis
homes more beautiful,” he
said.

11182-B South Towne Square • 314-894-9922
Lindbergh & 55

www.bhfstl.com

South County
behind Denny’s

Since 1997, Martha’s Hands has provided over 3,000,000 hours of compassionate, private-duty home
care. Martha’s Hands is locally owned by Denise Huber and Eileen Hedrick.

Martha’s Hands Home Care:
Compassionate Partners In Life Care
Does an elder family member or friend
need a little help to stay in their home? You
can place your trust in Martha’s Hands. Our
nurse care manager will visit with the client
and their family to customize care.
What separates Martha’s Hands from
other agencies is their unique Nurse Care
Manager approach. All clients receive care
oversight by a registered nurse, with access
to them 24/7.
Typical services include bathing and
dressing assistance, meal preparation/cleanup, medication set-up and reminders, light
housekeeping, laundry, errand running, and
companionship.
Eileen Hedrick founded Martha’s Hands
on a mission of “Love through Service”.
While a nursing student, Eileen was taught
by the Sisters of Mercy, emphasizing total
wellness. Eileen applied this mission in her
nursing career.

7-B

They are regularly looking for compassionate individuals willing to serve the needs
of the elderly. Martha’s Hands provides training and matches a caregiver’s skills with the
client’s needs. Their nurse supervisor introduces the new caregiver to the client, and
reviews the care plan to make everyone feel
comfortable.
Affording care can be a concern. Martha’s
Hands can assist clients in discovering potential funding sources and care options.
Martha’s Hands is actively involved with
the Home Care Association of America,
Missouri Alliance for Home Care,
Alzheimer’s Association and the Kirkwood
Chamber of Commerce.
Eileen’s daughter, Denise Hedrick Huber,
co-owns Martha’s Hands and has become
more involved in running the business, working to continue Eileen’s original mission of
“Love through Service.”

www.marthashands.com • 314-965-4350

Lighting Associates Inc. Well-Prepared
For Major Lighting Industry Changes

After 32 years in the lighting business,
Dave Jockenhoefer, founder and president of
Lighting Associates Inc., finds this the most
exciting time to be in the business.
“I’m not joking,” he said. “This past year
has been a tremendous conversion from legacy incandescent, high-intensity discharge and
fluorescent type lighting to LED. I don’t think
I have ever seen such a rapid change in the industry in more than 40 years as we are experiencing today.”
Jockenhoefer and his partners, Paul Warner and Joe Thomason, represent more than
90 lighting and controls manufacturers in all
facets of the electrical industry. The company
provides services to architects, engineers,
designers, electrical contractors and electrical distributors, focusing on markets such as
health care, schools, churches, hospitality and residential.
The company has worked
on major projects including
the renovation of the Arch
grounds, St. Louis College of
Pharmacy, Ballpark Village,
BJC Hospital, Peabody Opera

House and many St. Louis Zoo renovations.
“The variety of projects we work on keeps
our jobs interesting and rewarding every day
we come to work,” Jockenhoefer said.
Lighting Associates’ 11,000-square-foot
location includes office and warehouse space
and two training rooms to keep customers
up-to-date on the latest industry changes. The
staff has grown into the space from 26 people
in 2004 to 39 today.
“Our growth is due to the solid relationships all our people have with our customers,” Jockenhoefer said. “Without good people you don’t go far in this business or any
business.”
Pat Anello heads the customer service
team and Ken Majors leads the quotations
team. Jockenhoefer noted that LED lighting
is becoming so common that
most of the company’s jobs
now involve LED products
or conversions. LED costs
have come down and the
quality and energy efficiency
are increasing. “Quite green,
as they say!”

3216 S. Brentwood Blvd. • Webster Groves • 314-531-3500
www.laiweb.net.

From left: Sherry Presser, Linda Workman, Dave Shough, Kyle Shough, Brent Ackerman, Jay
Copenhaver, Gary Schmidle, Erick Mack and owner John Cox.

ProCraft Fine Cabinet & Woodwork:
Custom Products By Artisan Craftsmen
ProCraft Fine Cabinet & Woodwork
designs and builds custom cabinets,
including kitchen cabinets, vanities,
bookcases, bars and closets, and has a fullservice remodeling team.
John D. Cox started in home remodeling
in 2004.
“I then acquired a custom-cabinet
building business after having 15 years in
remodeling,” Cox said. “So, in addition
to remodeling services, I was able to offer
customers high quality, locally-built,
custom-crafted cabinets at a great price.”
To meet customers’ needs, ProCraft
added design and installation services, and
a showroom where customers could choose
from a variety of styles, wood species and
hand-applied finishes. ProCraft also offers a
line of standard cabinets, counter
tops, and decorative hardware.
“Our customers can decide
whether they just want to buy
cabinets, have us remodel their
entire space, or hire us for
whatever level of service they
need,” Cox said.

ProCraft recently won the Best of Houzz
award for service from Houzz, the leading
platform for home remodeling and design.
The ProCraft team is comprised of
experienced craftsmen. “Every employee
has a hand in creating our customers’
products,” Cox said. “They are proud of
their work and it shows in our cabinets.”
“The only way we can be successful is
by having happy customers,” said Cox. “It
makes us truly happy to deliver and install
a gorgeous kitchen. But seeing the look on
our customers’ faces when they get what
they have dreamed about is what gives us
the most satisfaction.”
Just ask Kristen Painter of Kirkwood.
“From the minute I met with John from
ProCraft, I was confident that his team
would deliver the highest quality
product with attention to customer
service,” she said. “He held that
confidence all the way through.
I can’t imagine how I could be
more pleased – my kitchen is a
livable, functional work of art.”

11752 Manchester Road • Des Peres • 394-0972
www.procraftcabinets.com

8-B

Webster-Kirkwood Times

January 30 - February 5, 2015

Emil Harster’s fleet of trucks, circa 1959. Inset: Emil Harster and one of his first trucks, circa 1950.

65 Years of Keeping Customers Comfortable
Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
Harster Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
has grown from a one-man shop in 1950 to a
company with 25 employees today.
Emil F. Harster started the business after
he learned the sheetmetal trade in the Navy
during World War II. In 1987, his son David
Harster and his wife Marilyn bought the
business. The company, which services and
installs residential and commercial heating
and air conditioning equipment, has been in
the same location since 1952 at 9900 Gravois
Road in Affton.
“We service all makes, but install equipment manufactured by American Standard,
Heil, Bryant, Amana and Lennox,” said
David Harster.
“In our industry many technicians and
installers get laid off in the
winter, but we pride ourselves in working our people
all year long,” said Harster.
“This results in very low
employee turnover so many
of our employees have been
with us for 10 years or longer.”
That includes Service

Manager Rick Ebert who has been with
Harster since 1974 and General Manager
Bob Burtelow who joined Harster in 1999.
Harster said he derives the most satisfaction from his business by providing good
service that is lacking in so many businesses
today.
“We try to match our schedule with the
customers’ so they don’t sit home all day
waiting for the repairmen,” he said. “I like
being one of the top companies on Angie’s
List which proves that we do care about how
our customers are treated.”
Customer review cards often state that
they like the professional way employees
treat them from booties the installers put
over their shoes, to the cleanup when they’re
finished.
“The actual installations
are put in with quality in
mind and that makes the
whole heating and cooling
system more efficient,”
Harster said. He also noted
that customers like the fact
that real people answer the
phones.

9900 Gravois Road, Affton • 631-5300 • www.harsterheating.com

From left: Colleen Reisenbichler, Jill Stokke, John Jackson, Erika Flynn, Jennifer Hollander

John Jackson
“Your Neighborhood Realtor”

For Realtor John Jackson, his business is
all about community.
Jackson opened an independent real
estate brokerage just over a year ago that
specializes in residential properties in
Kirkwood, Glendale and Webster Groves.
“After 15 years at a large corporate real
estate firm, I decided to open a truly local
community brokerage,” Jackson said.
“The response to the local difference
has been overwhelming. Our clients
appreciate our deep connection to these
neighborhoods.”
“I enjoy building relationships in the
Kirkwood, Webster and Glendale area and
having my office close to my clients and
the tight-knit community in which I live and
work,” Jackson said.
He’s now consulting with clients
interested in navigating
the sought-after markets of
Kirkwood, Glendale and
Webster Groves.
Jackson
gets
great
satisfaction from seeing his
clients enjoy the community.

“I run into my clients every single day,
and they always thank me for helping them
decide to move here,” he said.
He appreciates the trust his clients have
in him, and he’s committed to exceeding
client expectations.
“Moving can be daunting and stressful,
especially with children, and knowing that
we are there to support our clients means
everything to them,” Jackson said.
In addition to his strong community
relationships, Jackson is known for using
cutting-edge technology, including online
listings and mobile document storage
systems, to bring buyers and sellers together
and to provide seamless customer service.
Jackson is a third-generation real estate
professional. Both of his grandmothers sold
real estate in St. Louis County in the 1940s
and ‘50s, and his parents
and sister are in real estate.
Jackson lives in Glendale
with his wife, Katie, and
their seven children, ranging
in age from 2 to 16.

www.jjneighborhood.com • 965-HOME (4663)

From left: Don, Jonathan and Sue Bachmann

A Tradition of Doing It Right
For over 35 years, Bachmann Construction has defined fine living
in everything we do. Whether it’s building a luxurious home addition
or performing a meticulous repair, quality is job number one. We
know how important your home is to you and we work to enhance its
value to give you a lifetime of enjoyment and use.
We’ve built a trusted reputation in the Webster-Kirkwood area
because of what we build, including:
Home Renovations
Room Additions
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
Basement Finishing

Home Theater Rooms
Wine Cellars
Custom Carpentry and Cabinetry
Meticulous Repairs

Call us or visit our website to learn more about why family-owned
and operated Bachmann Construction is the best choice for your next
construction project.

55 Glen Road

n

Webster Groves

n

www.bachmannfineliving.com

968-0817

Call 314-968-2699
to be included in our
next Hometown Business
Profiles section.