Publication: St. Louis Business Journal, February 14, 2020

Kimberly Luitjohan, 35 | Vice president, finance, Poettker Construction Co.

Established in 1980, Poettker is a second-generation, family- and veteran-owned construction company specializing in construction management, design and build, general contracting and self-perform work across variety of industries. Kimberly Luitjohan has been instrumental in managing the firm’s growth by overseeing accounts payable, job cost tracking, payroll, human resources, IT and asset management. Her headlining achievement is implementing multiple strategic changes to streamline cross-department collaboration, improving Poettker’s processes for efficient growth management, while giving back to the community through mentoring, advocacy and fundraising. Under her direction, Luitjohan’s department has implemented a robust financial management system to manage Poettker’s 600% increase in revenue.

What’s the biggest risk you ever took? Diving into the accounting department at age 20. My family business was facing tremendous challenges and needed me. I had to learn all the steps and procedures that touched the accounting department. Looking back, it was the scariest part of my career so far, but we kept the faith and things worked out for the best.

What do you do to support your community? I serve on the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital-Breese Foundation Leadership Council and assist with Poettker’s annual golf fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and toy drives for local organizations, including SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. I also serve as the founder and organizing committee lead for my church’s annual cookie walk and craft bazaar.

What’s your favorite activity outside the office? I have 5-year-old twins who keep me very busy. They have just started playing sports, and I enjoy watching them play. I also enjoy boating and snow skiing.

What’s one word that would describe you? Caring.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I was reconciling bank statements in second grade, so accounting was in my blood. I do remember a time when I wanted to be a mortician. I am very fascinated in the process of how things work, but I have a very queasy stomach, so accounting was a much safer route.

What’s your favorite St. Louis restaurant? Pappy’s Smokehouse

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? I enjoy going to St. Louis Blues games.

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Past: I have worked in all the different departments at Poettker Construction Co.

Present: As vice president, finance, improves processes to manage growth at Poettker Construction Co.

Future: There is a lot of blood, sweat and tears in our family business, and I want to continue to mold the business to be ready for the next generations. The transition to the third and fourth generations will be more challenging, and I want to see the transitions go as smoothly and successfully as possible.

 

This article originally appeared in the February 14, 2020 40 Under 40 Special Feature Section of the St. Louis Business Journal. 

Also featured in: Illinois Business Journal, St. Louis Construction News & Review and RiverBender.com