People
Emil Frei & Associates artists and craftsmen are experts in the industry. Equally important, they are thoughtful and can carry on a conversation. Speak with any of us here and—whether about elastomeric sealants or systematic theology, soleic flux or lyric poetry, thermal bonding mesh or ancient philosophy—you will find yourself surprised by our knowledge and curiosity.
Stephen Frei
Steve took command of family business from his father, Robert Frei, in 1990. Steve ran track for the University of Missouri while earning his MBA, even though he can’t stand stretching. Spend a few minutes with Steve, and you’ll quickly learn about the things he loves: badminton, the hammered-dulcimer, and eating popcorn with his grandchildren.
Aaron Frei
Aaron earned his Masters in Theology from the University of Dallas. In addition to acting as the firm’s President, he is an expert in theology and iconography. Aaron started working here at age 11 and, except for the few years he spent in a Cistercian monastery, has not found a way to break the mold. Not only did he take over the company reins from his father, but he lives in his great-grandfather’s house and drives his grandfather’s tractor.
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Nicholas Frei
Nick holds a BA in Theology from the University of Dallas. Nick manages the firm’s projects forecasting and manages many of the firm’s installation and restoration projects. On the weekends, in-between his toddlers’ naps, Nick powers up his woodshop to make everything from doors for churches to furniture for his wife.
Recent Projects: St. Anthony of Padua (Saint Louis, MO), Providence Heights (Issaquah, WA), St. Francis of Assisi (New Orleans, LA)
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Br. Martin Erspamer
Br. Martin is a Benedictine monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey who splits his time between the monastery and his art studio. Martin holds a Masters in Ceramics from Boston University and a certification as a Liturgical Designer from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. He is a nationally recognized artist known for his stained glass, ceramics, paintings, prints, and illustrations.
Recent Projects:
St. Mary’s of the Knobs (Floyd Knobs, IN)
St. Monica’s Catholic Church (Indianapolis, IN)
William Frank
Will holds a Graduate Certificate in Liturgical Art and Architecture from St. John University, a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Washington University in Saint Louis, and a BA in Literature from the University of Dallas. He works as a project Liturgical Design Consultant for new construction and renovations and as designer of the studio’s new stained glass and mosaics. When not at the Frei Studio, you will find him pulling prints on his etching press, digging in the dirt, and chasing chickens with his children.
Recent Projects:
SSM St. Louis University Hospital (Saint Louis, MO)
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church (Austin, TX)
St. Mary’s Hospital (Jefferson City, MO)
Catholic Charities (Oklahoma City, OK)
Cistercian Preparatory School (Irving, TX)
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Jeff Govro
Jeff is a senior craftsman whose problem-solving abilities are matched only by his affability. Over the past few decades, Jeff has not only kept the company trucks running but has handled some of our most challenging projects.
Jennifer Kim
Jennifer is a fifth generation Frei. In addition to keeping the office humming, she is our primary glazier and responsible for assembling many of our new stained glass projects.
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Elizabeth Kunz
Elizabeth is a fifth generation Frei. She works on restoration and new work, and specializes in soldering, waterproofing, and cleaning stained glass. Outside the studio, Elizabeth is known to organize and declutter anything in her way.
Buddy Pondrom
His given is Guy, but he goes by Buddy. And that’s how we think of him. Buddy doubles as an onsite craftsman and in-studio artist, where he excels at duplicating painted art glass. Buddy is a tinkerer at heart, so outside the Frei Studio you’ll find experimenting with his cnc router or drawing at community art events.
Gustavo Saavedra
Gustavo works as a craftsman restoring and preserving stained glass. He came to Emil Frei & Associates with a breadth of professional experience that ranges from pouring concrete foundations in Alaska to restoring murals and oil paintings in Mexico City.
John Wheadon
John holds a Masters in Architecture from Washington University in Saint Louis and a BA in Sculpture from the University of Dallas. He wears many hats around the Frei studio including project manager and designer. In addition to his knowledge of building systems, John is also the firm’s expert in trending podcasts and obscure but delicious candies.
Recent Projects:
Basilica of St. Michael’s (Pensacola, FL)
SLU Catholic Studies Centre (Saint Louis, MO)
Email JohnIn addition to our core group, Emil Frei & Associates is proud to count a variety of artists, carpenters, metalsmiths as a part of our team. Although they aren’t mentioned here by name, we greatly value their contributions to our projects, and we love to work with them.