As the company began to grow, Max’s youngest child, Irvin, was brought into the business.  Irvin Pernikoff took over the construction business after returning home from military service in World War II and enjoyed his work so much that he continued to work until he was 90 years old. Irvin sat as the CEO of Pernikoff for over 60 years. Returning home from the war, Irvin knew his responsibility to his family and the construction company. He took it upon himself to learn not only the construction aspect, but also the business side of construction. Irvin took courses in different phases of construction at Washington University at night so he could build the business during the day. His ability to win over people and his “go-getter” attitude enabled him to expand Pernikoff’s capabilities by taking a small remodeling company and transforming it into a full-service general contracting firm. Irv was able to acquire accounts with Mercantile Bank, 9-0-5 Liquor Stores, Roco Petroleum, Standard Oil service stations, and retail stores throughout St. Louis shopping malls. Pernikoff became one of the prime contractors at Northwest Plaza, River Roads Mall, Crestwood Mall, and Jamestown Mall through the years. The business relationships Irv created in his prime still play a very important role at Pernikoff today.  Clients still call asking for Irv, or comment on how Irv worked on a project for their father or grandfather and now want Pernikoff to do another project for them 30 years later.

Irv was fortunate to have four sons, two of whom decided to follow in their father’s footsteps. Jeffrey B. Pernikoff (President) and Michael J. Pernikoff (Vice-President) have strived to grow the business and have expanded the business into new areas of construction specializing in restaurants, health care facilities, educational institutions, free-standing professional office buildings, and high end interior projects. With their 30 years of construction experience, they were able to provide necessary business and construction expertise to complete a myriad of projects. Jeffrey B. Pernikoff, President of Pernikoff Construction, brings 39 years of construction experience with a strong financial background (MBA-Finance & BA of Economics from Washington University, St. Louis). Jeff’s analytical approach and value engineering enable him to manage and build any size project without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. Jeffrey found a niche in restaurant construction and has continued to work with local and national restaurant owners to renovate and develop new restaurant concepts. Jeff has also worked on development of ground up free-standing buildings and actively worked with local health professionals in medical suite buildouts.  Jeff also brings experience with insurance renovation construction, working with insurance agents to assist clients in settlement of claims and to rebuild their damaged properties. Michael J. Pernikoff, Executive Vice President of Pernikoff Construction, also brought to the team his 38 years of construction experience along with a general business degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Mike’s specialties included setting the initial projects, coordinating subcontractor meetings, writing contracts, and working with estimators to prepare bids. His attention to detail was impeccable. Michael generally focused on office tenant finish, retail outlet finish, interior residential finish, schools, and medical facilities. Unfortunately, we lost Michael a few years back. But his son, Brett, has taken over his roles in the company to keep Pernikoff moving forward.

Brett S. Pernikoff, Director of Business Development (Michael’s son), is a graduate of Indiana University Business School. Brett has been involved in the business from a very young age, which helped pave a path for his immediate impact into the organization. He has taken an active part in the construction company from pre-construction phase to the actual running of projects and oversees all marketing activities. Over the past 17 years at Pernikoff, he has been able to work on both commercial and custom residential projects. Brett has taken on the role as product guru and stays up-to-date on new construction materials that hit the marketplace. This allows Pernikoff to offer value-engineering options to clients in case a product that was selected is over budget or not available. Pernikoff’s millwork company is primarily run by Brett, who is well-versed in cabinetry and custom wood work.