VETERAN JOURNALIST TO ACQUIRE RESPECTED CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

ST. LOUIS, MO (10/9/23) – A 55-year-old, continuously publishing construction magazine is preparing to welcome its new owner.

Journalist and entrepreneur Kerry Smith, editor of St. Louis Construction News and Review Magazine, on Nov. 1 will purchase the publication from current owner and Publisher Michael Chollet. Smith, whose experience as a print and broadcast journalist spans 30 years, says she is humbled and delighted at the opportunity to take the helm of a magazine that has provided intelligent, positive coverage of commercial construction projects and issues since 1969.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Smith. “I’ve loved working for and with Mike Chollet and his wife, Teri Finan, for seven years now. Their confidence in me means a lot as we continue growing an intelligently written, insightful product that features the substantial industry expertise that St. Louis’ built environment executives and teams are known for.”

Acknowledging the increasing digitally based resources that equip architecture, engineering and construction professionals in telling their stories, CNR will soon be rolling out its new look, to include digital and print offerings and an expanded footprint in the podcast space. While St. Louis construction projects and issues will continue to play a major role in the original, brick-by-brick, gritty content that the publication is long known for, Smith says a broader digital presence will enable CNR’s editorial staff to follow, support and write about St. Louis-based firms’ projects – no matter where they’re being built across the U.S.

“We’re excited to continue delivering top-notch, original coverage of major construction builds and issues across the St. Louis region,” says Smith, “while also shining the spotlight on our loyal St. Louis contractors, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers wherever they’re delivering their projects.”

Michael Chollet has owned St. Louis CNR Magazine for more than a decade. His spouse, Teri Finan, is the daughter of St. Louis CNR Founder Thomas J. Finan, Jr., who launched the publication in 1969. Smith says she counts Chollet and Finan among her closest friends and industry colleagues.

“I would like to thank former CNR editor Peter Downs for his many years of excellent work with CNR and for putting forward Kerry Smith as his potential replacement when he stepped down,” Chollet says. “Her hiring was a home run for the magazine and it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing a better job. She has a fearsome work ethic and is a delight to have on staff. Kerry is as fun to be around as she is effective in her position. I could not be more certain that she will do great things in the future with this legacy publication,” he adds.

A limited number of digital and print content package opportunities are now available for 2024. To gain information on how your firm can partner with CNR, contact Smith at kerry@stlouiscnr.com or 618.225.2253.