Ever since he was a teenager, Fred Bueler knew he wanted to build things. At age 14, Fred began working in residential remodeling for the father of a friend (she was a friend who was a girl, but not a girlfriend – huge difference!). He began by doing manual labor and after he completed several design and drafting courses at Meramec Community College, he made drawings for permits. In 1984, Fred formed his own company, Bueler, Inc., specializing in kitchen and bath remodeling, lower level renovations and room additions.

 

In October 2008, Bueler, Inc. began its 25th year of operation. Over the years, Bueler, Inc.’s work has received numerous Homer awards, the Home Builders Association honor that recognizes excellence in design, workmanship and value in residential construction projects throughout the St. Louis region. In 1994, Bueler, Inc was recognized by Remodeling Magazine with the Big 50 award for Market Wise for the high percentage of repeat and referral base of customers.

 

Fred is a native of Kirkwood and yes, he went to Kirkwood High School. He attended Meramec Community College and The University of Kansas, where he studied architecture and engineering prior to graduating from the University of Missouri – Rolla with a degree in Civil Engineering.

 

While Fred has spent most of his working life in the building industry, he also worked at the Fountain Cafeteria at McKenzie and Gravois. There he met Ann Valenti. Both were dating others but eventually they began dating. The story diverges here as to who asked the other out first, but four years after they met, Fred and Ann married. Last fall, they celebrated their 30th anniversary by taking a trip to France.

 

Fred and Ann are the proud parents of Jennifer, Lynne and Fred III. Jennifer, an attorney with Thompson Coburn, is married to David Visintine. They have two children, Samuel and Anna. Lynne, an interior designer, works with her dad. Fred III is a civil engineer at a commercial development and consulting firm in Phoenix.

 

Fred’s hobbies include boating, golfing, scuba diving and travel. Fred’s favorite trip with the family was their first diving trip to Ambergris Caye, Belize, in December 2001.

 

Fred’s interest in Rotary began when he was looking for a business networking organization, although he stayed because of the opportunity Rotary provides for “giving back.” He has belonged to the club twice, once for about seven years starting in the mid-1990s and most recently since 2002. For the past several years, he’s obtained (and donated) the largest monetary sponsorships for the club’s annual charity golf tournament. He also garnered $2,500 in contributions to the tsunami relief effort.

Last updated: October 2008