Kit Bond Citizen Leadership Award Dinner

Bob Brinkmann, Founder, Brinkmann Constructors

Bob Brinkmann is a staple in the St. Louis community, known for his contributions to both business and civic life. A St. Louis native, he graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1971 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1984, he founded R.G. Brinkmann Construction Company, which eventually became Brinkmann Constructors, a prominent full-service commercial and design/build construction firm headquartered in St. Louis. After leading the company for over three decades, Bob sold it to his employees through an ESOP, ensuring its continued success. Today, Brinkmann Constructors operates across 40 states with offices in Kansas City, Denver, Richmond, and Phoenix, and it handles approximately $1.7 billion in construction annually.

Bob Brinkmann has made significant contributions to civic and community affairs, holding several leadership positions. He served as Chair of the Missouri State Highway Commission and as a Board Member for both the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Foundation and the St. Louis Police Chief’s Club. Bob has also been actively involved with Junior Achievement, serving on its Executive Board. His involvement in engineering and public safety extends to being a member of the Academy of Civil Engineers and an honorary State Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Furthermore, Bob served as the past Chair of the Board of Trustees at Missouri S&T, reflecting his ongoing commitment to education and his alma mater. He continues his civic service by working on projects such as the Gateway Regional Police Training Facility, KidSmart - St. Louis, and Lafayette Academy: A Classical School, among other charitable initiatives. 

Outside of his professional and civic duties, Bob enjoys spending time on his farm in Defiance, Femme Osage Grove, where he is accompanied by his three dogs: George Burns, Gracie Allen, and Louis (LuLu).

Past Honorees

With 40 years of distinguished service as Missouri’s 47th and 49th governor, then as a four-term United States Senator, Christopher S. “Kit” Bond has earned a reputation as a skilled statesman able to build coalitions. In 1982, Governor Bond worked with state legislators and key private citizens to create the Hawthorn Foundation, a partnership between talented business leaders and state government aimed at attracting, promoting, and retaining business within the state of Missouri. Over the years, Senator Bond has dedicated himself to promoting Missouri’s interests. His goals have been and continue to be generating more partners, customers, and suppliers in our state and enhancing the tax base by bringing new jobs to the Midwest. He has been described as “an original Missourian” and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the Hawthorn Foundation and its endeavors.

The Kit Bond Citizen Leadership Award was established by the Hawthorn Foundation Executive Committee. The recipient is to be either a regional or statewide leader who has exemplified a commitment to the Hawthorn Foundation’s mission.