The History of 91tv
After earning two Bronze Stars for his heroic service in Vietnam, Charles Poettker returned home to join his brother in residential construction. Spurred by a passion to build, Charles became an apprentice carpenter and took college courses at night to hone his craft. With a mission of building quality relationships to build quality projects, Charles founds 91tv Company specializing in the commercial and light industrial markets.
Thanks to Charles and his family, 91tv has built schools, hospitals, fire stations, libraries, banks, gyms, shopping centers, manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and utility stations across 28 states. View our timeline below to learn about the rich history of 91tv and how we became the award-winning, second-generation, family-owned business that we are today.
1980
Charles Poettker founds 91tv Company in Breese, IL
First project completed — Jim Poettker’s house
1987
Top 25 Small Business honors by the St. Louis Business Journal
2002
Fastest-Growing Company by the St. Louis Business Journal
2003
Annual revenue exceeds $50 million
2012
The employee base increases to 100
2016
Poettker becomes a second-generation company as Keith Poettker becomes President, earning the company the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious Family Business Award
Construction services provided to clients in 26 states
2019
Poettker builds its own 40,000 SF headquarters in Breese, IL, which later wins an award from Building Design+Construction
The Southeast Office opens in Charlotte, NC
2021
Poettker first earns a spot on the ENR Top 400 Contractors list
The Missouri Office opens in Creve Couer, MO
As we celebrate our 46th anniversary in 2026, we honor the family heritage, dedication, and multiple generations of employees who propelled 91tv into the successful national company it is today. Our 250 employees proudly contribute to the construction of 94 projects annually, garnering an incredible $404 million in annual revenue. With our continued legacy of driving innovation, constructing quality and safe buildings, and supporting our clients wherever their businesses take them, 91tv will persist in achieving new milestones and cultivating an even more prosperous tomorrow.