Poettker Construction Company is celebrating 45 years in business as a multi-generational, family-owned construction firm supporting a diverse portfolio of projects in markets across the country. Founded in 1980 by Charles Poettker, the company has grown from its humble beginning in Breese, Illinois, into a $400 million construction firm specializing in construction management, design-build services, and general contracting.
The company prides itself on exceeding client expectations by delivering projects safely, cost-effectively, and with the highest degree of quality, with 88 percent of projects stemming from repeat clients like Walmart, Ameren, Planet Fitness and Continental Tire, along with regional developers, educational institutions and government agencies.
“Our accomplishments over the past 45 years reflect Poettker’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community engagement, and strategic growth in the Midwest and Southeast regions,” says Keith Poettker, chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction.
The company has carved a market share in the Midwest, earning top 10 spots in 2025 as one of St. Louis’ largest general contractors and one of the Metro East’s largest businesses. In 2019, Poettker opened a Southeast office in Charlotte and has grown to become one of the area’s largest general contractors for three consecutive years.
Poettker’s track record for safety and quality has earned the company regional Construction Safety Awards from AGC Missouri, Carolinas AGC, Central Illinois Builders of AGC, and Southern Illinois Builders’ Association. Nationally, Poettker is recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors as an Accredited Quality Contractor and ABC Top Performer.
Poettker consistently ranks as a Best Place to Work, recruiting and retaining top talent and continually investing in its employees through skills training, STEAM learning, workforce development programs, and its NextGen initiative, which encourages younger generations to pursue careers in construction management, architecture, engineering, skilled trades, safety or quality.
“Our employees are an extension of the Poettker family and the secret sauce that keeps the business going and growing,” says Ryan Poettker, president of Poettker Construction. “Our company’s average employee tenure is 10 years, and many of our employees are second and third-generation workers—some have been with us for four decades—with deep family ties to the company’s inception.”
Poettker has remained committed to the local communities where it lives and serves. Over the years, the company has supported over 50 nonprofit organizations through philanthropic partnerships, advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer initiatives.
The company’s Annual Golf Classic, held each summer since 2014, has raised over $340,000 in donations benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois (BBBSIL). Poettker recently partnered with Dream On 3 Carolinas, a charity committed to making sports dreams a reality for children and young adults with life-altering conditions. In 2024, Poettker raised over $121,000 for Dream on 3 Carolinas from its inaugural Southeast Charity Clay Shoot and gala.
“’Our quality relationships build your quality projects’ has been our company’s mission statement since the beginning,” says Keith Poettker. “That statement has helped shape our approach as employers, business partners, and community advocates, and I think our father would be exceptionally proud of our accomplishments while remaining true to our family-first culture.”
A month-long celebration will kick off on June 26 with the unveiling of an anniversary logo and the launch of a new website, as well as jobsite lunches hosted throughout July that will spotlight employees and partnerships with long-term clients.
