IBJ Newsmakers

IBJ staff report
    Building relationships and buildings in the safest, most efficient and budget-conscious way possible has been Poettker Construction Co.’s mission for the past 35 years.  
    The company was founded in 1980 by Charles V. (Chuck) Poettker, president and CEO, from a commitment that he made while serving in Vietnam to build something of value with his life if he made it home alive.
    In April 1971, while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, Poettker and his unit were ordered into Laos to rescue two door gunners and recover the bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of a downed helicopter.  The grueling journey back to safety earned him the U.S. Army’s Bronze Star.  In June of that year, members of his platoon hit a booby trap.  Three men were killed outright.  He vowed that if he made it out, he would dedicate his life to build something of value.  
    He said it took a lot of prayer, support of great business partners and the tremendous talents and hard work of Poettker Construction’s employees to reach the 35-year anniversary, marked in late June.
    Poettker is a second-generation family-owned and veteran-owned business specializing in a full range of preconstruction and construction services. It is licensed in 16 states primarily throughout the Midwest and has an annual revenue approaching $100 million.  
    The staff of 130 full-time employees is led by Charles Poettker; his four children, Kevin Poettker, director of sales and business development; Keith Poettker, vice president of preconstruction; Ryan Poettker, vice president of project management; and Kimberly Luitjohan, vice president of finance; and Tom Albers, vice president of field operations.
    Poettker says the firm’s lasting partnerships were built on mutual respect, professionalism, integrity and dedication
to the needs of clients. That approach helped build a foundation that allowed the firm to grow business primarily through repeat clients and referrals from past business partners.  
    The company is a supporter of local organizations, including hospitals within the region, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and Community Link.  Poettker Construction and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois teamed together for an annual golf classic which raised $15,000 in 2014 to support the BBBS children’s mentoring programs in Clinton County.  To accompany its annual employee Christmas party, Poettker organized a toy drive to assist families in need through Community Link’s First Step Program. 
    For more information about Poettker Construction, visit www.poettkerconstruction.com.