Family’s Fourth Generation Leader Becomes President
On the 120th year of the company’s founding, Spiegelglass Construction Company announces a new president.
Tim Spiegelglass – the great grandson of founder Joe Spiegelglass – was named president this month, following his father Barry Spiegelglass’s move last year into an advisory role.
After 50+ Year Tenure, Barry Remains Confidant to Region’s Small Business Leaders
Barry stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2023 after 51 years of service to the company. He remains a highly sought after advisor to the city’s top restaurateurs, chefs, business owners and real estate leaders looking to expand their footprint. Barry continues to consult with clients on build out strategy, site selection and more.
Barry joined the company in 1972, following in the footsteps of his brother Mel Spiegelglass who joined in 1961. The two brothers worked first with their father Harold Spiegelglass and then independently expanding the business as St. Louis grew – building out office spaces as high rises came downtown, remodeling stores in local shopping centers, and traveling with select clients throughout the Midwest. Previously, Harold’s father Joe spent 50 years growing the company from a one-man operation to a general contracting business.
In recent decades the company sharpened its focus on restaurants, retail and specialized projects such as religious institutions, educational/medical facilities, event/office spaces and other midsize commercial projects.
“I’ve always said I was lucky because I enjoyed my work,” said Barry Spiegelglass. “I was fortunate to work alongside my father, brother and son for many years and we can honestly say we all got along and it was a tremendous experience for all of us. Over the years, I met subs and clients who became personal friends and had the opportunity to build really iconic spaces around St. Louis.”
“The time has come to pass the baton and I could not be more proud of Tim for taking over the business,” Barry continued. “He has been contributing to the family business since he was a kid – first helping out around job sites, then leading our largest projects, and now running our company. He lives the values my grandfather passed down and I know the company is in very good hands.”
Tim Spiegelglass Named President
After starting in the business as an adolescent and then working for construction management companies out of state, Tim joined Spiegelglass Construction in its centennial year – 2004, and gradually moved up the ranks under the guidance of his father and uncle.
“My dad started teaching me about the business around our kitchen table when I was a kid,” said Tim Spiegelglass, president and owner. “We’ve had decades-long relationships with subs, clients and employees because the third generation carried the torch. I’m eternally grateful for the years I had to learn with my dad, and I’m glad he’s not going far.”
In recent years Tim revamped the company’s internal systems, incorporated the latest technology across the business, and oversaw hundreds of ground up and tenant finish projects. Nearly all of the company’s revenue comes from repeat clients and word-of-mouth, a testament to Tim’s leadership and the team’s commitment to white glove client service.
Tim has been widely quoted in the media for his restaurant building expertise, and frequently writes contributing articles about commercial construction. Tim’s favorite part of the job is helping businesses get going: “There’s just nothing like giving an entrepreneur the keys to their new shop or helping a construction manager turn over a store to the local operator ahead of schedule.”
“Our clients – both franchises and independent owners – are continuing to grow and build,” added Tim. “The projects are more nuanced and complex than in years past, due to a shift in consumer expectations, technology advances and design trends. As a specialized commercial builder, we’re poised for growth alongside our clients.”
Under Tim’s leadership, the company plans to continue its focus on building midsize commercial projects such as restaurants, retail and highly specialized builds. The project sizes generally range from $500,000 to $5 million.
Tim became the company’s sole owner in 2023 and was named president this month.
About Spiegelglass Construction Company
Founded in 1904, Spiegelglass Construction Company is a St. Louis-based construction manager and general contractor focused exclusively on midsize commercial construction projects. We are known for both ground up and interior finishes in our areas of expertise including restaurants, retail and specialized builds such as educational/medical/manufacturing facilities, event/office spaces, cannabis dispensaries, religious institutions and more. Learn more at https://www.spiegelglass-gc.com.
