Built on Family: Celebrating the Father & Son Legacy at Kozeny-Wagner
At Kozeny-Wagner, we often say we’re more than a construction company—we’re a family. While that phrase is common in business, for us it’s something you can see every day in our offices, warehouse, and jobsites.
This Father’s Day, we’re proud to recognize six father-and-son duos who are helping build projects, mentor the next generation, and continue the family-oriented culture that has defined Kozeny-Wagner for more than 61 years.
A Legacy That Started It All
The story begins in 1965 when Don Kozeny helped establish Kozeny-Wagner. More than six decades later, his legacy continues to shape the company and the people who work here.
In 1982, Patrick Kozeny began working in the company warehouse. Over the years, he gained experience in numerous roles, including marketing and preconstruction, before eventually becoming President and CEO. Six years later, in 1988, his brother, Michael Kozeny, joined the family business. Mike has served in several capacities throughout his career, including working in the warehouse and as a Project Manager, before moving into his current leadership role in business development and Vice-President of the Commercial division.
The next generation arrived in 2011 when Christopher Kozeny joined the company. Today, Chris serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, continuing a three-generation family legacy at Kozeny-Wagner.
For Patrick, seeing multiple generations represented within the company is something special.
“It is a fun fact for Kozeny-Wagner and something we take pride in for sure. My grandfather, Herman Kozeny, was an original stockholder along with my father, Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Don Kozeny. Today, I am honored to share management duties with my brother Mike and my son Christopher. But the Kozenys are not the only multigenerational family represented at Kozeny-Wagner. We have a handful of great families here, and that’s what makes this place special.”
Patrick credits the company’s success to values that have been passed down through generations.
“Build quality work safely, do the right thing always, attract and retain a genuine team, build strong relationships, give back to the community, and celebrate the wins along the way. Those values are the cornerstone of who we are today.”
Mike echoed those sentiments, noting that while the company has evolved over the years, its culture has remained constant.
“One thing that has remained constant at Kozeny-Wagner over the years is our strong family-oriented culture and commitment to relationships. The core values of hard work, accountability, teamwork, and doing what is right have stayed the same.”
He also shared one of the most important lessons he learned from his father.
“Don built the company on trust, reputation, and relationships. Long-term success comes from consistently doing the right thing, even when it isn’t the easiest path.”
For Chris, the opportunity to work alongside his father every day is something he treasures.
“Being able to work with my Dad is the number one thing I am most proud of. Building our relationship while accomplishing our goals is one of the greatest joys of my life. Most people don’t care for their boss, but I love mine!”
When asked what he admires most about his father, Chris didn’t hesitate.
“My Dad is always able to meet you where you are. Whatever the emotion or temperature of the room, he knows how to assess the situation, calm emotions, and work together toward a goal.”
The Tayons: Three Generations of Leadership
The Tayon family’s connection to Kozeny-Wagner spans generations.
Andrew “Andy” Tayon joined Kozeny-Wagner in 1990 and has built an impressive career through hard work, dedication, and leadership. Over the years, he worked his way up to his current role as General Superintendent, where he oversees the company’s laborers, carpenters, and operators.
His son, Andrew Tayon II—better known as Drew—followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Kozeny-Wagner as a carpenter. Through his commitment to the craft and continued growth within the company, Drew was recently promoted to Superintendent, continuing a family tradition of leadership.
What makes the Tayon story even more special is that it extends beyond just a father-and-son duo. Andy’s father and Drew’s grandfather, Ron Tayon, was one of Kozeny-Wagner’s first Superintendents. Ron played a key role in many of the company’s foundational civil projects for the City of St. Louis, helping establish the reputation for quality and reliability that Kozeny-Wagner is known for today.
With three generations contributing to the company’s success, the Tayons represent the lasting impact that family, mentorship, and dedication can have on both a company and an industry.
The Eikermans: Leading by Example
The Eikermans are one of the longest-tenured father-and-son teams at Kozeny-Wagner outside of the Kozeny family.
Lee Eikerman joined Kozeny-Wagner in 2009 and currently serves as a Superintendent in the commercial division. His son, Luke, followed in his footsteps in 2015, beginning as a carpenter before working his way into a Superintendent role himself.
The pair have worked together on several projects over the years, including the Affton Ice Rink project.
Luke credits much of his success to lessons learned from his father.
“Dad always told me that I am the face of Kozeny-Wagner that everyone sees—the owners, subcontractors, and even people driving by. It’s important to build relationships and make people feel confident that everything is going to be okay, even during tough situations.”
When asked what he admires most about his father, Luke’s answer reflected the work ethic he’s witnessed throughout his life.
“He is the hardest-working individual I’ve ever known. He has managed a farm while working a full-time job for most of his career. Watching him taught me that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work.”
Lee says one of the most rewarding parts of working with his son is seeing how far he’s come.
“I like seeing what he has learned from me and others and how he applies that knowledge every day.”
The Miners: Family On and Off the Jobsite
Clayton Miner joined Kozeny-Wagner in 2015 and currently serves as a Carpenter Superintendent.
Earlier this year, his son Blake joined the company as a commercial carpenter. Today, they’re working together on various projects for the City of St. Louis, learning from one another.
When they’re not at work, the pair share a passion for motorcycles, classic cars, and hunting down hidden treasures on Facebook Marketplace.
The Peiffers: Side-by-Side in the Field
Dan Peiffer joined Kozeny-Wagner as a laborer in 2022. Two years later, his son Codey followed him into the company.
Today, they’re working together on the MoDOT Conway and Ladue project, often starting their days side-by-side during the morning huddle before heading out to tackle the day’s work.
Their story highlights one of the unique benefits of construction—having the opportunity to work alongside family while helping build projects that serve the community.
The Sturholdts: Different Paths, Same Company
Not all father-and-son duos follow the same career path, and the Sturholdts are a great example.
Tim Sturholdt joined Kozeny-Wagner in 2015 and serves as an Estimator for the commercial division. A registered professional architect, Tim brings decades of construction knowledge and technical expertise to the team.
His son Brian first joined Kozeny-Wagner as an intern in 2022 while attending Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MO). After graduating, Brian transitioned into a full-time role as a Project Engineer on the civil team, where he helps manage projects and serves as the company’s certified drone operators.
When asked who gets to work earlier, Tim laughed:
“I’m walking out the door when Brian’s getting in the shower, and somehow he still beats me to the office sometimes.”
Tim has also witnessed firsthand how construction continues to evolve with each generation.
“Everything is different—from battery-powered tools to drones. There used to be extension cords all over the jobsite. A lot has changed, but you still need a good pair of boots.”
More Than a Company
The construction industry is built on mentorship, experience, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next. At Kozeny-Wagner, we’re fortunate to see that happen every day.
Whether it’s a father teaching a son the importance of hard work, a son bringing new technology and fresh ideas to the team, or multiple generations working together toward a common goal, these relationships strengthen both our company and our culture.
As Patrick Kozeny said, our goal is to “attract and retain a genuine and supportive staff that works safely and as a family.”
Looking around Kozeny-Wagner today, it’s clear we’re accomplishing exactly that.
From all of us at Kozeny-Wagner, Happy Father’s Day to all of our fathers, sons, grandfathers, mentors, and families. Thank you for helping make KWI the company it is today.