Robert “Bob” Sellenriek is a pioneering contractor, industry leader, and founder whose life’s work helped shape the modern communications infrastructure across Missouri and the Midwest. Through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, Bob built not only a company, but a legacy defined by integrity, resilience, and service.
Bob grew up quickly, working hard farming from the age of 13 until he graduated high school. Shortly after graduating high school, Bob entered the telecommunications industry at just 18 years old, working on underground telephone cable installation during a time when the industry relied on rudimentary equipment, manual methods, and determination more than technology. He was hired by past PCCA Chairman, Jerry Hartman, with LP&H. Shortly after joining Jerry, Bob hired his high school friend, Charlie Duff, who also went on to become a PCCA Chairman. Over the next nine years, he learned every aspect of the trade from installation and plowing to crew leadership and job management; gaining hands-on experience that would later prove invaluable.
In November 1968, Bob met Dixie (Garrett) Sellenriek, noticing her for the first time at a high school basketball game. He jokes that he thought, “She can fry chicken,” but it was her laughter and spirit that truly captivated him; a feeling that never faded. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and family. While Bob devoted long hours to his career, Dixie raised their three children, Steve, Heath, and Joy, with tireless dedication. Bob takes immense pride in their accomplishments and treasures time with his grandchildren and extended family. Married on April 7, 1973, Bob and Dixie forged a partnership that became the cornerstone of both their family and the business they built from the ground up.
In 1979, with a young family, no financial safety net, and little more than his experience and determination, Bob made the life-changing decision to start his own company, Sellenriek Construction. The early days were defined by uncertainty. Bob worked alongside a small crew of two, often taking whatever jobs he could secure, repairing installations, installing drops, and solving problems others could not. He reinvested every dollar back into equipment, people, and growth.
Through persistence and an unwavering commitment to quality, Bob steadily expanded the company. By the early 1980s, he had grown from a single crew to multiple crews serving telephone providers across Missouri. Over the following decades, his company played a vital role in building and maintaining communications infrastructure, adapting through every major industry transition, from copper to fiber optics, from manual methods to modern directional drilling.
Bob’s leadership philosophy was simple but powerful: invest in people, lead by example, and never ask someone to do a job you wouldn’t do yourself. He was known for his ability to take inexperienced crews and develop them into highly skilled professionals. Many who worked alongside him built lifelong careers in the industry, and countless individuals credit Bob with giving them opportunities that changed their lives.
Under his leadership, Sellenriek Construction grew from a small startup into a respected, multi-location infrastructure contractor serving telecommunications and utility providers across multiple states. What began as a means to support his family became an organization that supported hundreds of families and helped connect communities.
Beyond his industry contributions, Bob has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to his community of Jonesburg, Missouri. He served as mayor for 34 years, helping guide infrastructure improvements, strengthen public utilities, and enhance the quality of life for residents. He’s getting ready to run for another 2-year term s mayor and had more plans to help improve his community during his next tenure. His leadership extended beyond business, reflecting a lifelong belief in service and stewardship. Bob is a current and founding member of the Jonesburg Optimist Club. He is also a member of the Jonesburg Lions Club, Warrenton Elks Club, and Mid-Mo Shrine Club where he puts in countless hours to help with events throughout the year. Bob has also personally helped dozens of kids receive free medical care from Shriners Hospitals for Children. In addition, he and Dixie began the Jonesburg Lighted Christmas Parade which includes a free supper for those who attend in addition to giving away bicycles and gift cards. Bob also hangs Christmas decorations in the town each year, where visitors can see a large Merry Christmas as they enter Jonesburg, as well as hanging senior banners each spring. Bob is also an avid supporter and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and enjoys helping the church in many ways throughout the year.
In 1998, Bob joined the PCCA, recognizing the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. Over the years, he has attended conferences all over the United States and beyond, always seeking to learn, make industry connections, and advocate for fair and efficient work practices.
Despite his success, Bob has remained grounded in the values that defined his early years: hard work, humility, and accountability. He has always believed that success is measured not by wealth, but by the people you help and the opportunities you create for others.
Today, his legacy continues on through the company he built, the family he raised, and the countless professionals he mentored. His sons, Steve and Heath, his son-in-law, Joe, and the next generation continue to lead and grow the organization, carrying forward the principles he established more than four decades ago.
Bob Sellenriek’s career represents the very best of the communications construction industry. His courage to take risks, his dedication to excellence, and his lifelong commitment to building both infrastructure and people embody the spirit and values honored by induction into the PCCA Hall of Fame.
His story is not just one of business success, it is the story of a man who helped build the networks that connect communities, the company that supports families, and the legacy that will endure for generations.